Many hormones are involved in regulating the sleep-wake up cycle. Any imbalance in the hormones may cause sleeplessness. Conversely, large periods of sleeplessness may cause further hormonal imbalance. Therefore, there is a connection between the two. Hormonal imbalance due to insomnia is thus a cause as well as effect.

Several hormones are released into the bloodstream during sleep. The following hormones affect the sleep pattern of an individual:

-Growth hormone which is responsible for body growth and tissue repair is released during sleep not only in cases of children but even adults.

-Sleep helps in balancing the appetite of an individual by the release of ghrelin and leptin hormones. Therefore, if we get less sleep than normal than we are likely to eat more.

-The melatonin hormone is released by the body when the sunsets. This melatonin signals our body to go to sleep. Blue light from electronic devices prevents is from falling asleep. It is therefore advised to stay away from such electronic devices at least one hour before sleeping.

-The cortisol hormone is responsible for is waking up in the morning. The level of cortisol falls and melatonin level increases when one sleeps. However, throughout one's sleep, the cortisol level rises and reaches its peak in the morning when the brain signals us that it is time to wake up.

-Testosterone is the male hormone which generally reaches its peak three to four hours into sleep. A decrease in the testosterone level is known to occur during a medical disease or old age. This affects the sleep pattern in terms of the quality of sleep and the number of hours of sleep, leading to sleeplessness.

-Estrogen and progesterone are the two female sex hormones. An imbalance in either or both these hormones affects sleep.
There is a drop in the progesterone level in the premenstrual phase which causes a drop in the melatonin level making it difficult to fall asleep. The rapid eye movement sleep, when most dreams are bound to occur, is worst affected causing sleeplessness and irritation.

During pregnancy, an increase in estrogen and progesterone level causes day time sleepiness, snoring, and nasal swelling.
During menopause, a decrease in estrogen levels causes sleep problems. Some women may also experience sleep apnea or stopping breathing, which is a dangerous condition caused due to fat accumulation in the throat and stomach region. Hence, regular exercise is recommended to stop this from occurring.

-Hormones like adrenaline prepare the body for ‘flight or fright’ response during stress. Thus, it helps in alertness and makes it difficult for us to go to sleep. Therefore, it is advisable to do relaxing activities before bedtime rather than stressful activities like intense workouts or exercises.

-Long-lasting stress results in the release of adrenocorticotrophic hormone, which triggers the release of cortisone and cortisol from the adrenal glands. The adrenocorticotrophic level is high in people with insomnia and also athletes.

-Insulin and cortisol hormone levels are controlled by sleep. That is why we wake up hungry prompting us to have breakfast.

-Less than normal sleep affects the prolactin level of the body resulting in less concentration, weakened immune system, and carbohydrate cravings throughout the day.

-A higher level of anti-diuretic hormone prevents us from the urge of using the washroom frequently while sleeping. In children, since the hormone system is still developing bedwetting is a common occurrence due to low anti-diuretic hormone levels.

-Hormones like oxytocin and cortisol influence the content of our dreams.

Therefore, any kind of sleep disorder results in hormonal imbalance, lethargy, stress, lesser work efficiency, and an overall decrease in physical and mental stamina to carry out daily activities.

It is therefore essential to do relaxing activities to reduce stress before bedtime, avoid the use of electronic gadgets and rigorous exercises at least one hour before sleep, and seek professional help for any sleep disturbances. Good sleep would mean a good hormonal balance in the body and vice versa.

Using a comfortable mattress like the Flo mattress online will ensure that you get a good quality of sleep for a good number of hours, making you feel refreshed and energetic to go about your day-to-day activities after a good night’s sleep. It is highly comfortable and relaxing at the same time. 

Nitin Pillai writes primarily on topics related with health and marketing. He is also an active contributor on Avanzar Health – Health Marketing as well as platforms like Buzzfeed.

I think that limiting physical education classes will take place on the health of children. This will aggravate the problem of obesity and future associated diseases, not to mention the appearance of posture defects. Please read the article that I wrote about posture defects and prevention in the form of swimming.

Tiến Kim Ngân tự hào là nhà cung cấp hóa chất chống cáu cặn ăn mòn chất lượng, uy tín hàng đầu hiện nay. Chúng tôi là đơn vị nhập khẩu trực tiếp các loại hóa chất với số lượng lớn tại Việt Nam, là một trong các đối tác chiến lược của các tập đoàn sản xuất hóa chất lớn.