The thyroid gland is especially important for your sleep. In fact, thyroid dysfunction, such as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can wreak havoc on health and trigger sleep problems. Here is everything you need to know about the link between thyroid dysfunction and sleep apnea.

What’s the Difference Between Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism?

Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are the two most common types of thyroid gland problems.

Hypothyroidism means that the thyroid gland produces an inadequate secretion of thyroid hormones and is also known as an underactive thyroid. If a person has hypothyroidism, they are likely to experience changes within the upper airway, which can trigger difficulties breathing during sleep. This condition requires treatment with a medication that acts as a thyroid hormone replacement.

Some of the most common hypothyroidism symptoms include constipation, brittle nails, sensitivity to cold, hair loss, high cholesterol, sexual dysfunction, unexplained weight gain, irregular uterine bleeding, and slow heart rate.

On the other hand, hyperthyroidism means that the thyroid gland overproduces thyroid hormones, which might happen due to hyperfunctioning nodules or a thyroid goitre, Graves' disease, or thyroiditis. This condition usually requires treatment with radioactive iodine or surgery.

Some of the most prevalent hyperthyroidism symptoms include heat intolerance, excess sweating, warm skin, panic attack, hyperactivity, mood swings, excessive hunger, irritability, nervousness, fatigue, insomnia, irregular menstruation, abnormal heart rhythm, hair loss, and diarrhea. 

The Link Between Thyroid Dysfunction and Sleep Problems

Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism may trigger sleep issues, such as obstructive sleep apnea and insomnia.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Both obstructive sleep apnea and hypothyroidism are quite common disorders and come with very similar symptoms, including apathy and excessive daytime sleepiness. Hence, this is what makes the disorders difficult to tease apart. Likewise, people who deal with hypothyroidism are susceptible to developing obstructive sleep apnea. This is so because hypothyroidism often leads to obesity, macroglossia, or disruption of the muscles that control the upper airway which all contribute to obstructive sleep apnea.

Insomnia

There are people who have hypothyroidism and sleep apnea and will experience insomnia. The disrupted breathing can trigger sudden arousals from sleep and frequent awakenings during the night. Hence, it is very likely that sleep will be unrefreshing. The poor quality of sleep might lead to chronic insomnia. Thus, it’s crucial to get yourself tested for sleep apnea if you experience insomnia symptoms in the context of thyroid dysfunction.

Night Sweats

Night sweats are a common and frequent symptom which can lead to disruptive sleep. The night sweats are more likely to appear in menopause.

Diagnosis and Treatment

It’s quite easy to diagnose thyroid issues based on blood tests. However, if you’ve already been diagnosed with thyroid dysfunction and experience sleep apnea symptoms, it might be best if you undergo a sleep study which can help determine whether sleep apnea is present. The sleep study is either conducted in a lab or at home using portable home sleep apnea testing equipment.

If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, but experience thyroid dysfunction symptoms, you should get a blood test to analyze your thyroid levels.

One of the best sleep apnea treatments in continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. Other alternative treatment options are surgery, oral appliances from dentists, weight loss, and positional therapy. However, if hypothyroidism is the culprit for sleep apnea, you will get a thyroid hormone replacement, a pill called Synthroid (levothyroxine).