The Connection Between Sleep Duration & Metabolic Syndrome
There is no shortage of individuals who extoll the virtues of a good night’s sleep. Now, medical studies have identified another benefit to getting at least seven hours of shut-eye – a lower risk of metabolic syndrome.
As metabolic syndrome can adversely affect your chances of getting pregnant, this might mean that getting enough sleep could help you improve your chances of starting the family you have always wanted.
What is Metabolic Syndrome?
The Mayo Clinic holds that metabolic syndrome occurs when you have increased blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, abnormal cholesterol, and an excess of body fat around the waist.
The combination of these conditions can lead to heart disease, stroke, and difficulty conceiving a child. Although the outcomes of untreated metabolic syndrome can be overwhelming, the disease can easily be treated and prevented.
What Causes Metabolic Syndrome?
The primary cause of metabolic syndrome is a combination of inactivity and poor diet. Obesity is also closely linked to metabolic syndrome. However, there are other underlying factors to developing metabolic syndrome as well.
For example, researchers have linked polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to metabolic syndrome. PCOS occurs when women do not ovulate regularly and have high levels of male hormones. About 80 percent of women with irregular periods have the disorder. As PCOS is linked to malnutrition and diet, it is a risk factor for developing both metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.
In addition to these causes, new research identifies that men and women who get less sleep and who don’t rise as early are less likely to exercise and more likely to develop metabolic syndrome. Though preventing metabolic syndrome requires a commitment to a healthy diet and a consistent exercise routine, ensuring you get at least seven hours of sleep each night is another way to help.
How Does Metabolic Syndrome Affect You?
If you have metabolic syndrome, you’re also at risk for developing additional ailments. High cholesterol and increased blood pressure can also put you at risk of heart attack and stroke.
Additionally, individuals who suffer from metabolic syndrome experience insulin resistance, which occurs when the body does not break down sugar as it should. For this reason, your metabolic syndrome can lead you to develop diabetes.
Regarding fertility, metabolic syndrome’s association with PCOS can make it difficult for women to conceive. PCOS stops or alters ovulation, making it difficult for a woman suffering from the disease to experience egg fertilization without medical intervention.
Men with metabolic syndrome can also experience fertility problems, according to a 2008 study. The study found that metabolic syndrome can cause increased scrotal temperatures, impaired spermatogenesis, decreased sperm concentration, and reduced sperm motility. All of these conditions make it difficult for sperm to reach and fertilize an egg naturally.
How Can I Prevent/Reverse Metabolic Syndrome?
To determine if you have metabolic syndrome, you will need to have both your blood pressure and cholesterol tested. For this reason, an important first step in fighting metabolic syndrome is to visit the doctor.
If you think you may be at risk of developing metabolic syndrome, it is important to talk to your doctor about how to prevent the disease. If you are concerned about the effects the ailment may have on your fertility, be sure to address these concerns with your doctor. Aside from providing valuable lifestyle tips, he or she can also refer you to an experienced fertility doctor who can work with you to help you achieve your dreams of starting a family of your own.
Although metabolic syndrome can have adverse effects on your health and fertility, the disease is easy to overcome and prevent. Through a balanced diet, regular exercise, and getting at least seven hours of sleep every night, you can effectively fight the disease and begin your journey towards starting the family you have always imagined.