Thyroid imbalances have been linked to sleep problems. Hyperthyroidism (overactive) can cause difficulty sleeping Trusted SourceNational Health Service (NHS)The NHS website for England is the UK's biggest health website, with more than 50 million visits every month.View Source due to arousals from nervousness or irritability, as well as muscle weakness and constant feelings of tiredness. An overactive thyroid may also lead to night sweats and frequent urges to urinate, both of which can disrupt sleep.
People with hypothyroidism (underactive), on the other hand, often experience trouble tolerating cold at night and joint or muscle pain that disrupts sleep. Some studies have linked an underactive thyroid to poor quality sleep Trusted SourceNational Center for Biotechnology InformationThe National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information.View Source , longer sleep onset – or the time it takes to fall asleep – and shorter sleep duration during the night. Younger people, individuals with a relatively low body mass index, and women are all considered at higher risk of developing sleep problems due to hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroidism can also cause hypersomnia, or the irrepressible need to sleep or lapses into sleep that occur on a daily basis. Hypersomnia can occur due to an underlying medical disorder, and hypothyroidism is considered the leading cause of hypersomnia due to a disorder in the endocrine system. Additionally, untreated hypothyroidism can be mistaken for sleep-related hypoventilation, or excessively slow or shallow breathing that occurs primarily during sleep.
Thyroid disease may be a predisposing factor for restless legs syndrome (RLS). People with this disorder feel uncomfortable or unpleasant sensations in their legs while the body is at rest. In most cases, RLS symptoms often occur in the evening or around sleep onset. Because the disorder is so disruptive, RLS can lead to significant sleep loss and daytime impairments. While cases are somewhat rare, an overactive thyroid is also considered a predisposing factor for night terrors, a type of parasomnia sleep disorder characterized by sudden, terrified outbursts during the night.
Sleep habits may play a role in your susceptibility to thyroid disease. One study Trusted SourceNational Center for Biotechnology InformationThe National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information.View Source found that people who sleep fewer than seven hours per day are at greater risk of developing hyperthyroidism, while sleeping more than eight hours per day may increase the risk of both overactive and underactive thyroid function. Additionally, optimal sleep is believed to support a healthy immune system and people with weaker immune systems are at higher risk of developing thyroid dysfunction.
When to See a Doctor
Hypothyroidism develops slowly, so many people won’t notice their symptoms for years. It also shares symptoms with a wide range of other medical conditions, so your doctor will likely order additional testing. The same is true of hyperthyroidism and most diagnoses for an overactive thyroid also entail multiple blood tests. For many older patients, hyperthyroidism can present differently and may be mistaken for depression or dementia because it can cause similar symptoms such as loss of appetite and social withdrawals.
These additional blood tests may evaluate your thyroxine, triiodothyronine, and thyrotropin counts to determine whether your thyroid is overactive or underactive. People with hypothyroidism may be prescribed levothyroxine, an artificial hormone intended to boost your thyroid function, and tested six to eight weeks after they begin taking the medication to see if their counts have improved. If hyperthyroidism is suspected, the patient may be prescribed methimazole or another type of anti-thyroid medication.
Thyroid testing is often ordered for pregnant women due to their higher risk of developing thyroid disease. These tests may also be suggested for people seeking fertility treatment, as both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can lead to difficulty conceiving.
If you notice an irregular lump or swelling on the side of your throat, you may want to make an appointment with your doctor – this may be the first sign of thyroid cancer Trusted SourceCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)As the nation’s health protection agency, CDC saves lives and protects people from health threats.View Source , a condition that roughly 47,000 adults are diagnosed with each year. Other symptoms of thyroid cancer include trouble breathing or swallowing, or an unusually hoarse voice. Thyroid cancer can originate due to genetically inherited conditions, and exposure to radiation – especially as a child – may also increase your risk.