You may be surprised to learn that there is a link between sleep apnea and low testosterone. Sleep
apnea is a sleep disorder in which your breathing stops and restarts several times while you’re asleep,
with pauses lasting anywhere from a couple of seconds to more than 20 seconds at a time. When left
untreated, it can cause a variety of problems from hypertension to heart arrhythmias.
Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:
● Loud snoring
● Insomnia
● Dry mouth
● Gasping for air while sleeping
● Headaches
● Night sweats
● Frequent urination at night
● Irritability
● Fatigue
Research shows that testosterone levels rise while you’re asleep and fall while you’re awake. This
means that testosterone production peaks while you’re sleeping. Men with sleep disorders like sleep
apnea get less sleep than the average person, which can lead to low testosterone. Low T can cause a
wide range of complications and affect your overall quality of life. Testosterone levels slowly begin to
decline around the age of 30. This continues for the rest of a man’s life, and sleep apnea can cause
testosterone levels to drop even further.
Symptoms of low testosterone include:
● Erectile dysfunction
● Fatigue
● Depression
● Hair loss
● Weight gain
● Low sex drive
● Lower muscle mass
● Irritability
● Mood changes
● Difficulty concentrating
● Anemia
When your body gets the rest it needs, you wake up feeling refreshed and energized. You also have
healthier testosterone levels, which reduces your risk of heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure,
osteoporosis and other complications.
If you’ve been experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, low testosterone or both, it’s important to let
your doctor know as soon as possible. You don’t have to live with the uncomfortable symptoms that
reduce your quality of life. Treatment options are available and you aren’t alone.
At Arkansas Urology, we’re here for you. Our patients’ health has been and will always be
our top priority! Do you need to schedule an exam? Contact us today to schedule your appointment,
or book your appointment online.
