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Low testosterone may be to blame for poor night's sleep

Category: General Health

Men who tend to get poor sleep may want to consider having their testosterone tested, as a new study from the University of Montreal has found there may be a link between low testosterone levels and a poor night's sleep.

The research team found that men in their 50s and 60s tend to get less deep sleep, which is important for body recuperation. Without this deep level of sleep, many of the key mental and physical benefits of rest do not occur.

The study's lead researcher, Zoran Sekerovic, said that this type of sleep requires high levels of brain synchronization, which is facilitated by testosterone. Low levels of the hormone may make it more difficult for the brain to achieve this state.

"With age, there is neuronal loss and the synchronization of cerebral activity isn't as good, which is why there is a loss of deep sleep," he said. "Low levels of testosterone intensify the lack of synchronization and can explain 20 percent of men's inability to experience deep sleep."

Sekoravic said that hormone therapy may be an effective way for men to get a better night's sleep.