Today we are going to talk about one of the most important things for hormonal balance that we have never covered and you have probably not thought of before. Have you thought about sleep and its impact on fertility?
It is very surprising how important sleep is for hormonal balance/function. One of the key hormones that stimulates ovulation, a hormone called Leptin, is actually created while you are sleeping. If you are not getting enough sleep, you are not producing enough of this hormone. Leptin is currently being studied as a possible future fertility medication/fertility drug treatment for stimulating ovulation.
If you’re not getting good sleep:
- All of the key hormones – luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, estrogen, and progesterone – are affected.
- Fertility Charting to detect ovulation will be nearly impossible.
- Hormonal imbalance issues increase because there is a certain amount of daylight that is needed on the skin and eyes for proper hormonal stimulation.
How Much Sleep Do You Need?
There isn’t a specific number, although experts say that for adults, 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep is best. Each person is going to be different though. Listen to your body!
Tips For Getting Better Sleep:
1. Preparing for bed by creating a sleep routine, doing the same thing(s) before bed every night.
2. Avoid caffeine, nicotine, alcohol and stimulating herbs before bed.
3. Consider herbs or supplements like Chamomile (Matricaria recutita), Oat flowers (Milky oats, Avena sativa), magnesium, Melatonin, or Vitamin D
4. Try making the room very dark (blackout curtains) and using a sound machine.
5. Exercising regularly.
6. Managing stress levels.
Additional Resources For Sleep Support
Can Disrupted Sleep Patterns Cause Hormonal Imbalance?
