The thyroid and sleep disorders

Over- or under-functioning of the thyroid gland is widespread and can be a cause of various sleep disorders. We explain here how the thyroid gland works and why it affects sleep.

Table of contents

1. The Thyroid Gland & Its Function
2. Thyroid dysfunction (hyperthyroidism/hypothyroidism)
3. Interaction of Sleep & Thyroid
4. Sleep disorders caused by thyroid diseases
5. Conclusion

1. The Thyroid Gland & Its Function

The thyroid is a small but incredibly important organ that is located in the front part of the neck, very close to the larynx and the trachea. It produces vital messenger substances that are crucial for almost all bodily functions. The best-known thyroid hormones are triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). They are formed from the element iodine and other substances. The production of these hormones is controlled by the brain via the messenger substance TSH that is released there. Iodine is an essential trace element that cannot be produced by the body. It is therefore essential to get enough of it through your daily diet.

Thyroid hormones are an important part of hormonal balance and influence many physical processes, such as heart activity and blood pressure. They activate various metabolic processes and affect kidney and intestinal activity. They are also important for body and organ growth and healthy brain function. The small thyroid gland therefore bears a great deal of responsibility in maintaining vital processes.

2. Thyroid dysfunction

There are two types of thyroid dysfunction: hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. If too few or too many thyroid hormones are produced, the entire hormonal system becomes unbalanced. This leads to restrictions in numerous body functions and health is significantly impaired. Nowadays, thyroid dysfunction can usually be medication be treated well.

↓ Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)

In hypothyroidism, the thyroid produces fewer hormones than are needed. This slows down the metabolism and many important body functions. Physical and mental performance decreases and those affected often suffer from listlessness, depressive moods, loss of appetite and a reduced immune system.

An underactive thyroid can be caused by a persistent iodine deficiency, an anatomical reduction in the size of the thyroid or an inflammation of the thyroid tissue as a result of the autoimmune disease Hashimoto's thyroiditis. It is often treated by taking additional hormones to compensate for the deficiency.

↑ Overactivity (hyperthyroidism)

In the case of hyperthyroidism, the thyroid produces too many hormones. The excess of T3 and T4 accelerates the metabolism to an abnormal level. This often leads to weight loss, cardiac arrhythmia, inner restlessness, nervousness and difficulty concentrating.

An overactive thyroid is often caused by the autoimmune disease Graves' disease or as a result of autonomy, in which the thyroid is no longer controlled by the brain but instead partially initiates hormone production on its own. In order to prevent excess hormones, there are various methods that help to inhibit the organ's overproduction.

3.Sleep disorders caused by thyroid diseases

The thyroid gland has a major influence on health and sleep. Sleep disorders can have direct organic causes, but also psychological ones. Both areas can be affected by a thyroid dysfunction and contribute to the development of problems falling asleep and staying asleep or secondary diseases such as sleep apnea.

Sleep disorders in hypothyroidism

Insomnia: The slowed metabolism makes people increasingly tired, lacking energy and drive. This increases the subjective need for sleep of those affected because there is not enough energy available. Symptoms such as depressive moods, loss of appetite and feelings of cold disrupt natural sleeping patterns. They prevent the body from properly resting and falling asleep despite persistent tiredness. Despite increased tiredness, many sufferers therefore have difficulty falling asleep, have poorer sleep quality and sleep for a shorter period of time overall.

Sleep apnea: If the important thyroid hormones are missing, the breathing rate may drop and oxygen circulation in the body may slow down. This hinders healthy breathing and increases the risk of oxygen deficiency and apnea during sleep.

Sleep Disorder in Hyperthyroidism

Insomnia: Various studies show that an increased concentration of thyroid hormones is demonstrably linked to the intensity of sleep disorders. The increased activity level and accelerated metabolism are typical symptoms of hyperthyroidism, which make it difficult to fall asleep in the evening. Nervousness, anxiety disorders or depressive moods also have a negative effect on sleep behavior and active digestion can also hinder falling asleep and sleeping through the night.

Sleep apnea: In the case of an overactive thyroid, the respiratory rate is usually increased, but an associated enlargement of the thyroid organ (also called goiter or struma) can lead to a narrowing of the airways.

4. Prevention of thyroid problems

If the thyroid disrupts the hormonal balance, sleep also suffers. Disorders of thyroid function are not always easy to detect. Anyone who suffers from persistent sleep disorders can therefore also take a closer look at the function of the thyroid.

Because thyroid hormones are involved in so many vital body functions, they should be monitored regularly anyway. With a balanced diet, we usually consume enough iodine to adequately supply a healthy thyroid. However, the function of the thyroid can change with age, so regular check-ups with your family doctor or endocrinologist are highly recommended.

5. Conclusion

• The thyroid is an important organ that is involved in numerous body functions and metabolic processes via the thyroid hormones T3 and T4.

• If the thyroid is underactive, the metabolism slows down and performance decreases.

• In the case of hyperthyroidism, the metabolism accelerates and restlessness, nervousness or cardiac arrhythmias can occur.

• Thyroid dysfunction can promote the occurrence of sleep disorders such as insomnia or sleep apnea.

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