Dr. Ilya Barsukov, an endocrinologist, stated that hormones have a significant impact on sleep; some help the body to sleep, while others hinder getting a good night's rest.
According to him, the hormone melatonin, for example, helps the body to sleep, while an increase in thyroid hormones, cortisol, adrenaline, and noradrenaline can lead to continued hyperactivity, which hinders sleep.
The doctor points out the need to view the effect of hormones on sleep not as a single process, but rather through studying the functions of different body systems. Some hormones are directly involved in regulating sleep, while others affect alertness levels, metabolism, and a person's ability to maintain a normal sleep pattern.
He says: “If we are talking about the hormone directly related to sleep, it is melatonin. The body produces this hormone under certain conditions, so it is important to prepare for sleep and create the necessary conditions for its natural production. First and foremost, this means ensuring complete darkness, avoiding coffee and other stimulating drinks, and avoiding eating right before bedtime. It is also important to keep electronic devices away from children two to three hours before bedtime. Ventilating the room before bedtime is also recommended.”
He points out that sleep problems are not only related to melatonin production, but also to thyroid health, as its hormones are linked to alertness and metabolism. The mechanism varies depending on the disorder: in some cases, a person may find it difficult to fall asleep, while in others, their nighttime sleep pattern may be disrupted by daytime sleepiness.
He says: “Sleep quality is negatively affected in the case of hyperthyroidism, as a result of overstimulation, which leads to an accelerated metabolism, making the person irritable and having difficulty sleeping. In the case of severe hypothyroidism, the person is prone to drowsiness and may sleep during the day or after lunch, which may lead to difficulty sleeping at night.”
The doctor identifies stress hormones as another factor that can disrupt normal sleep. Therefore, in the evening, the nervous system should gradually decrease in activity, and to achieve this, unnecessary stimuli should be eliminated before bedtime. For this reason, it is recommended to avoid electronic devices, maintain a calming routine, and create a relaxing environment in the bedroom.
He says: "Stress hormones – cortisol, adrenaline, and noradrenaline – negatively affect sleep. Therefore, their levels usually decrease in the evening and peak in the morning upon waking. This is necessary to wake a person up quickly and maintain alertness. Therefore, following healthy sleep habits is very important – it is advisable, if possible, to go to bed at approximately the same time. The room should also be comfortable and stress-free to prevent an increase in cortisol secretion."
