Understanding the impact of sleep on your reproductive health

When you are trying to conceive without success, you may feel frustrated and stressed out. In most cases, our Nashville fertility clinic doctors can identify common causes of infertility and determine the best treatment plan. While studies have not yet proven a direct connection between lack of sleep and infertility, we want our patients to know that disordered sleep may have an impact on your efforts to get pregnant.

Is there a link between sleep and infertility?

According to most research, the average adult needs between seven and eight hours of sleep per night. When trying to conceive, you know that not getting enough rest can add to your stress levels. Lack of sleep can have a negative effect on your job performance, mental well-being and physical health. Although extensive data doesn’t directly link poor sleep and infertility, initial studies indicate that lack of sleep can interrupt critical hormones needed for pregnancy and may decrease fertility in women who consistently have disrupted sleep.

Tips for improving your sleep

As our patients are trying to conceive, we want to assist them in doing everything possible to increase the odds of success. Our Nashville fertility clinic doctors offer guidance and support throughout the entire fertility treatment process.

Because sleep and infertility may be linked, consider the following helpful hints for improving your sleep habits.

• Follow a regular sleep pattern
  Our bodies have a natural circadian rhythm, or sleep-wake pattern over the course of a 24-hour day. Going to sleep about the same time, preferably by 10 p.m., and waking up around the same time in the morning helps regulate your sleep patterns and facilitates better sleep.
• Avoid caffeine and stimulants late in the day
  It’s best to limit caffeine while trying to conceive, but as it relates to sleep habits, don’t consume coffee or other caffeinated beverages within four to six hours of bedtime.
• Relax before bed
  Though it may seem like you can just decompress with word games on your phone or by binging the latest episode of your favorite medical drama, unplugging from your electronics at least an hour before you go to sleep will improve the chances of a good night’s rest.
• Get some extra sunlight
  Taking a stroll at lunch or walking the dog before dinner can provide additional exposure to the sun and may make it easier for you to achieve quality sleep.

Our Nashville fertility clinic has provided advanced fertility treatment and compassionate care for more than 30 years. Our expert fertility specialists are happy to share advice and recommendations about things like sleep and infertility. If you are having difficulty getting pregnant, we can offer the specialized help that you need. Contact our office for more information about assistance with trying to conceive, or to schedule an appointment.

Nashville Fertility