Sleep Deprivation and an Under Active Thyroid
Have you suffered with several symptoms leading to the diagnosis of an under active thyroid gland? Is one of the symptoms that compelled you to seek a diagnosis sleep deprivation? Are you suffering from complete exhaustion, sweating all the time and have noticed you have a horse voice all the time? All of these are symptoms of having an under active thyroid. People who have sleep deprivation and an under active thyroid are depressed and lack enthusiasm for life.
Many women are affected by sleep deprivation and an under active thyroid more than men. The thyroid gland is the master gland that affects metabolism and energy levels and yes, even sleep patterns. It is located at the base of our throat and it has an extreme amount of influence over our sleep patterns and many other functions of our body.
If low thyroid functioning is affecting your sleep, you will wake up still feeling exhausted after even 10 hours of sleep. Taking naps will be a necessity, instead of a luxury you indulge in once in awhile, if you have an under active thyroid. You may find yourself falling asleep in your car at lunchtime or while sitting reading a good book that you are really very interested in. This type of fatigue is not normal. Not everyone experiences it. It is caused by a slowed metabolism and lack of sleep that is the result of hypothyroidism.
If you do not treat your under active thyroid, you may also begin to suffer from sleep apnea. This has been the finding of sleep researchers. Sleep apnea is more than just a problem of snoring loudly. It is a condition where one stops breathing during sleep and can be a dangerous condition.
If your low thyroid functioning is causing you to be unable to sleep adequately, your stage 4 sleep phase will be insufficient. This is the restorative phase of ones sleep where your body is able to repair the damage caused by stress and re-energizes itself. The result is brain fog and weight gain and extreme tiredness.
Another thyroid problem that can cause sleep deprivation is transient thyroiditis. This is a condition that means that your thyroid gland is inflamed. Inflammation of the thyroid is common during periomenopause and menopause as well as a condition women can suffer during the post-par-tum period after childbirth. You will experience the area of your thyroid gland, neck and throat area being tender if your thyroid is inflamed. One of the first symptoms of a woman entering menopause is the lack of ability to sleep well.
If you have been diagnosed with an under active thyroid, properly treating it will help resolve your sleep problems. There are natural cures you can try or prescription medications you can take. You should avoid drinking coffee or alcohol, especially in the late afternoon or evenings. Also, taking magnesium and calcium supplements will help as well as 100-400 mg of 5 HTP and a Melatonin supplement. It is a good idea to speak to your medical doctor about your sleep deprivation and under active thyroid too.
