Following on the heels of our last post on sleep quality and gestational diabetes in pregnancy, did you know that poor sleep can also impact your fertility? A recent study found that low-quality sleep is linked to lower levels of AMH and higher levels of FSH in women, affecting ovarian reserve.
Sleep is a critical aspect of overall health, with significant implications for fertility. Modern lifestyles have led to reduced sleep duration, contributing to health issues such as diabetes and increased mortality. However, the relationship between sleep quality and fertility is still not well understood, particularly among women. Studies have indicated that poor sleep quality may adversely affect reproductive outcomes, including irregular menstrual cycles and longer times to conception.
Now, a recent study involving over 1,000 women aged 20-40 revealed that those with poorer sleep quality, as measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), exhibited decreased ovarian reserve, assessed through markers such as Antimüllerian hormone (AMH) and antral follicle count (AFC). Specifically, women with PSQI scores above five (indicating poor sleep quality) had significantly lower AMH and AFC levels and higher follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, which are indicative of diminished ovarian reserve.
The research suggests that addressing sleep issues could be a beneficial intervention for women of reproductive age, particularly those experiencing difficulties with fertility. This emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to reproductive health, incorporating lifestyle factors such as sleep, alongside medical assessments and treatments.
If you are hungry for more evidence-based information in your pregnancy, sign up for my free webinar: 7 Pregnancy Myths Debunked – and get the information you need to have a healthy pregnancy and a thriving baby.
And if you are a care-provider looking for evidence-based resources for your fertility patients, please get in touch with us at support@myhealthypregnancyplan.com.
In health,
Dr Jocelyn Land-Murphy, ND
Terra Life
Disclaimer: The information and content provided is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not professional medical advice, nor is it intended to be a substitute therefore. Please consult the Disclaimer and Terms of Use for full details.
References:
Lin, Y. et al. (2024). Association between sleep quality and ovarian reserve in women of reproductive age: a cross-sectional study. Fertility and Sterility.