Does Sleep Duration Affect Male Fertility?
Written by Ben Bunting: BA(Hons), PGCert.
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In one study, a group of men participated in a program to measure the duration of their sleep. The participants were divided into three groups: A, B, and C. Each group was assigned a specific bedtime and the duration of sleep was measured using the sperm motility test. The results were then expressed as percentages of the total sperm cells.
Negative impact of low sleep duration on sperm motility
Researchers have found that sleep duration affects the health of sperm, which in turn has an effect on male fertility. The researchers compared the effects of varying sleep durations on sperm motility and count in 198 men who were infertile. They found that men who slept for a shorter duration had fewer sperm than those who slept for longer.
In this study, sperm quality was significantly affected by the duration of sleep, as well as the time of bedtime. The researchers found that a shorter sleep duration decreased sperm quality, while a longer sleep duration led to higher ASA levels in the semen. These results could have important implications for fertility treatments.
In addition, frequent use of tablets and smartphones after bedtime decreased sperm concentration and motility. Additionally, men who reported greater sleepiness during the day were more likely to have fewer sperm and a lower sperm percentage. Overall, the study suggests that more sleep may help men conceive.
In addition to sleep duration, other factors like social jetlag, sleep chronotype, and sperm count affect male fertility. Researchers found that the earlier the chronotype, the lower the effect of sleep duration on sperm motility. They also found that social jetlag and short sleep duration both decreased sperm count.
Sleep deprivation is detrimental to the immune system. Sleep deprivation affects serum humoral immunity, which is related to reduced sperm quality. Despite these findings, further research is needed to determine the exact mechanism. However, this study does suggest that sleep duration has a direct effect on the quality of sperm.
Earlier studies have shown that prolonged sleep time reduces sperm motility and viability. In addition, prolonged sleep duration also decreased testosterone and TAC levels. The study also found that Vitamin C counteracted the negative impact of sleep duration on male fertility. Supplements containing vitamin C had a positive effect on testicular structure and function in rats that were sleep-deprived.
Effect of late bedtime on sperm production
Studies have shown that late bedtimes can negatively affect sperm production and motility. They also show that a late bedtime has a negative impact on the quality and quantity of sleep. Late bedtimes may result in a lack of deep sleep, which could negatively affect sperm quality.
The study also tested the motility of sperm during different levels of sleep. It found that most short sleepers experienced a reduced percentage of progressively motile sperm than long-sleepers. The researchers calculated the percentage of each group's sperm motility as a percentage of total sperm cells. Overall, results were similar, but C1 sleepers' sperm motility were significantly lower.
The researchers also found a significant association between exposure to short wavelength light (SWL) and reduced sperm quality. This light is commonly found in screens on digital devices and can interfere with the secretion of melatonin, a hormone that helps us fall asleep. The results suggested that nighttime exposure to this light could negatively impact the quality and quantity of sleep.
In addition to the PSQI score, the researchers also examined the other parameters of semen. Semen volume, total motility, and concentration were negatively correlated. Moreover, sperm morphology and total sperm volume did not show any significant differences between the groups.
➡️READ: Natural treatments for male infertility
Studies have shown that men with poor sleep quality have lower sperm counts and fewer morphologically normal sperm. Therefore, it is important to seek medical advice if you're having trouble sleeping or getting up in the morning. While a late bedtime may be convenient, it is best to get at least seven to eight hours of sleep.
Effect of melatonin on sperm motility
One of the ways that melatonin has a positive effect on sperm motility is through its inhibitory effect on cyclic AMP, an intracellular messenger involved in the process of sperm elongation. Specifically, melatonin inhibits the synthesis of cAMP by epididymal cells and pituitary cells, and subsequently inhibits Ca2+ influx. Despite this, it does not appear to affect sperm motility directly.
However, some studies indicate that melatonin affects spermatozoa motility and hyaluronidase activity. This enzyme is present in the hyaluronidase complex and plays an important role in fertility in mammals. While melatonin does not directly affect hyaluronidase activity, it can have a detrimental effect on sperm motility. In addition, it may lead to subtle sperm damage through the leakage of enzymes.
Melatonin's antioxidant property may also protect sperm from oxidative damage. Studies suggest that melatonin can protect sperm mitochondria from damage caused by ROS. This effect, however, differs between species. Some studies have shown that melatonin can increase sperm motility, while others report that melatonin decreases sperm motility.
The benefits of melatonin are a topic of ongoing research. This hormone affects the quality and quantity of semen in males. Although its effects on reproduction are not clear, melatonin affects the production of testosterone and Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH). Inhibin increases sperm penetration, and AMH increases sperm motility in males with increased melatonin levels.
Melatonin also helps improve the quality of semen, a key component of sperm. In addition, it helps improve a man's sleep. In addition, melatonin has antioxidant properties and protects the sperm from oxidative stress.
Conclusion
The length of time a man sleeps plays a major role in the quality of sperm and the quality of semen. A short sleep duration reduces the quality of sperm, while a long sleep duration reduces the quantity of sperm in the testes.
This analysis is promising and may have implications for a better understanding of fertility. It could ultimately lead to improved treatments for infertility and improve the quality of life of men.
