Sleep Quantity Affects Morning Testosterone Levels In Older Men

The testosterone levels of healthy men decline as they get older. As sleep quality and quantity typically decrease with age, objectively measured differences in the amount of sleep a healthy older man gets can affect his level of testosterone in the morning, according to a study published in the April 1st issue of the journal SLEEP

The study, conducted by Plamen Penev, MD, PhD, of the University of Chicago, focused on 12 healthy men between the ages of 64 and 74. Three morning blood samples were pooled for the measurement of total and free testosterone.

In addition to overnight laboratory polysomnography, wrist activity monitoring for six-to-nine days were used to determine the amount of nighttime sleep of the participants in everyday life settings.

The main outcome levels were total sleep time and morning testosterone levels. Analyses revealed that the amount of nighttime sleep measured by polysomnography was an independent predictor of the subjects’ morning total and free testosterone levels.

Older men who had less sleep during the night have lower blood testosterone levels in the morning. Lack of sleep also results in serious health problems such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity and strokes.

If you have a sleep disorder, you have to consult a sleep doctor to discuss your sleep problems as it may lead to other health problems.

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