Many people are aware of the connection between being overweight and chronic health problems, including both sleep apnea and fertility problems. As a result, many who are trying to conceive are asking the question: Does sleep apnea affect fertility? The short answer is yes, it can.
Sleep apnea is a common disorder that affects millions of people. It is a condition in which someone stops breathing for brief periods of time at night, leading to frequent waking and sleep loss. Research has shown that sleep apnea can have a significant impact on overall health, including fertility. In men, sleep apnea is linked to lower testosterone levels and abnormal sperm production, while in women, it has been linked to hormonal imbalances and irregular menstrual cycles.
Can Obesity Cause Sleep Apnea?
Yes. The most common cause of sleep apnea is obesity. People who are overweight are at increased risk of developing the disorder as fat deposits around the neck can obstruct the airway, leading to apneas or hypopneas while the person sleeps. In fact, studies have found that weight loss can greatly reduce the severity of sleep apnea symptoms or even eliminate the disorder entirely.
How Does Sleep Apnea Affect Fertility?
Sleep apnea affects fertility in both men and women. In men, sleep apnea is associated with lower testosterone levels and disrupted hormonal production, which can negatively impact semen quality and quantity. Research has also found that men with obstructive sleep apnea took longer to conceive with their partners. For women, sleep apnea is associated with an imbalance in sex hormones, which can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, ovulatory dysfunction and infertility.
Can Treatment for Sleep Apnea Improve Fertility?
Yes, it can. Treating sleep apnea can help to improve fertility outcomes. In one study published in Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, researchers found that treating sleep apnea with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) was associated with a significant increase in the number of times women ovulated during their menstrual cycle. Another study published in Fertility and Sterility found that treating male patients with CPAP was associated with a small increase in sperm count and total motile sperm count.
Conclusion
There is a growing body of evidence showing that sleep apnea can have a significant impact on fertility. The good news is that treating sleep apnea can help to improve fertility outcomes. If you or your partner are struggling to conceive, it may be worth talking to your doctor about the possibility of sleep apnea and whether treatment for the disorder could help.
