The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland  Trusted SourceNIH News in HealthThe NIH, a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the nation’s medical research agency — making important discoveries that improve health and save lives.View Source located at the front of your neck. It produces two hormones, thyroxine and triiodothyronine  Trusted SourceNational Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)NIDDK research creates knowledge about and treatments for diseases that are among the most chronic, costly, and consequential for patients, their families, and the Nation.View Source , which regulate how the body uses energy. These hormones affect most organs and are vital to a wide range of physiological processes, such as breathing and heart rate, digestion, and body temperature.

Too many or not enough of these hormones can have adverse effects, so balanced thyroid activity is needed to maintain proper health. Thyroid issues can lead to sleep problems, as well. Conversely, thyroid conditions like hypothyroidism (underactive) and hyperthyroidism (overactive) are considered risk factors for certain sleep disorders  Trusted SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM)AASM sets standards and promotes excellence in sleep medicine health care, education, and research.View Source .