Is sleep important for positive results In Vitro Fertilization(IVF)? Here's what expert has to say
Fertility issues have gained utmost prominence, among other consequences of lack of sleep. Sleep deprivation is closely connected to stress and worries that, as a result, can hamper your fertility rates.
FollowOne's ability to conceive might be affected by various lifestyle choices. A poor diet, excessive smoking, drinking and caffeine intake, and lack of physical activity can all hurt the fertility levels of both men and women. But have you ever considered how something as basic as sleep might affect your fertility?
The general physical and mental health of people depends on getting enough sleep. Lack of proper sleep can lead to various illnesses affecting both men and women. According to a Fitbit study, India ranks second in the world for sleep deprivation. This data highlights the fact that lack of average sleep among Indians is casting a negative impact on their overall well-being.
Fertility issues have gained utmost prominence, among other consequences of lack of sleep. Sleep deprivation is closely connected to stress and worries that, as a result, can hamper your fertility rates. Therefore, it is essential to address your individual sleep demands to aim for a healthy conception. We spoke to Dr Sangeetha Anand, Senior Consultant- IVF & Fertility, Apollo Fertility (Brookfield), who explained the relations between sleep and fertility; read on
Sleep and fertility
Even a few nights of inadequate sleep can affect hormone production and the body's ability to respond to stress. Every day, reproductive hormones are released from the same region of the brain that controls sleep-wake cycles. Lack of sleep causes the body to produce some hormones in abundance while sparingly generating others, adversely impacting fertility. For instance, a woman who does not get enough sleep may experience menstrual irregularities, ovulatory dysfunction, and decreased fertility, making pregnancy more difficult. Additionally, men who do not get adequate sleep may have lower sperm counts and aberrant sperm morphology, making it more challenging for them to achieve a successful conception.
In addition, sleep deprivation can also result in various chronic diseases, such as diabetes and obesity, which can lead to multiple fertility issues. Moreover, the stress that these chronic illnesses induce disrupts your sleeping patterns. Thus, maintaining a healthy sleeping schedule and getting 7-9 hours of sound sleep, as recommended by CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), is a must.
Link between Sleep and IVF
Given the rise in fertility issues, various new-age treatments such as IVF, IUI, egg and sperm freezing have come to the fore, which have made it possible for individuals to embark on the journey of parenthood. However, the success rates of these treatments are highly influenced by the lifestyle habits adopted by the individuals over the course of the treatment. Lack of sleep, poor diet and substance abuse, amongst others, can decrease the success rate of fertility treatments such as IVF. Sleep deprivation, in particular, can cause fertility issues in both men and women and reduce the likelihood of IVF success.
A recent National Sleep Foundation study found that women undergoing IVF who got seven to eight hours of sleep each night had a 25% higher chance of getting pregnant than those who got nine hours each night. And less than seven hours of sleep decreased the likelihood of getting pregnant by 15%. Thus, for both men and women to target successful pregnancy incorporating healthy sleeping schedules with seven to nine hours of sleep per night is crucial.
Improve your sleeping schedule
Sleep and fertility are intertwined. Thus, maintaining a healthy sleeping schedule is critical to targeting healthy conception. Incorporating a constructive workout session in your routine, reducing screen time, limiting caffeine consumption, including a relaxing activity such as listening to relaxing music or reading a book in your schedule and maintaining a consistent bedtime will improve your sleeping schedule, which will add to the success chances of fertility treatments such as IVF thereby, helping you achieve a healthy baby.
