According to certain research, those who have low thyroid function are more likely to get sleep apnea, which is frequently the reason why people snore. In addition to weakening the respiratory muscles, severe hypothyroidism can cause breathing difficulties that increase the likelihood of snoring.
Snoring can disrupt sleep and others, potentially causing underlying health issues like obstructive sleep apnea. Hypothyroidism, a condition where thyroid hormone levels are lower than normal, can cause symptoms like fatigue and weight gain. Understanding the connection between snoring and hypothyroidism is crucial.
Does hypothyroidism manifest as snoring?
Snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea, caused by airway blockage during sleep. It can be influenced by throat and mouth anatomy, and hypothyroidism, a condition linked to increased sleep apnea rates, may also contribute to snoring.
The disorder known as sleep apnea is characterized by frequent breathing pauses, which frequently lead to loud snoring. The most prevalent kind is obstructive sleep apnea. Low thyroid hormone levels can cause respiratory muscle weakness, leading to breathing difficulties. Although respiratory issues are not a major concern in hypothyroidism patients, they can contribute to sleep apnea development.
Are sleep apnea and hypothyroidism related?
A 2019 study examined the link between hypothyroidism and sleep apnea, utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2007 to 2008, despite the fact that 85% of sleep apnea cases go undiagnosed.
Researchers found that individuals with hypothyroidism have a 1.88 times higher risk of sleep apnea compared to those with normal thyroid levels, possibly due to higher obesity levels, despite other factors like body weight, demographics, healthcare access, socioeconomic status, alcohol use, and smoking.
In addition to obesity, the following other variables could be involved in the association between hypothyroidism and sleep apnea:
- constriction of the throat brought on by the accumulation of substances known as mucopolysaccharides
- abnormalities in the muscles surrounding your throat
- respiratory muscles’ dysregulation
- inhibition of the brain’s respiratory centers
Can hypothyroidism lead to additional sleep issues?
Untreated subclinical hypothyroidism, a mild form of thyroid hormone imbalance, has been linked to insomnia, despite normal thyroid hormone levels and slightly elevated pituitary gland-produced TSH levels.
A 2019 study in China found that over 2,000 individuals with subclinical hypothyroidism had a 1.12 times higher risk of poorer sleep quality, a 1.16 times higher risk of longer sleep duration, and a 1.15 times higher risk of shorter sleep duration.
Research on insomnia and hypothyroidism is mixed, with some studies finding no significant relationship. Hypothyroidism may cause sleep disruptions, such as muscle or joint pain, poor cold tolerance, and increased anxiety.
Additional signs of hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism symptoms range from mild to severe, worsening as thyroid levels decrease. Common symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, poor cold tolerance, joint pain, depression, muscle pain, dry skin, thinning hair, irregular periods, fertility issues, and a slow heart rate.
Can someone with hyperthyroidism snore?
Hyperthyroidism, characterized by elevated thyroid hormones, can lead to sleep issues like insomnia, and some individuals with hyperthyroidism may sleep for unrelated reasons, as both conditions are common.
Researchers found that people with obstructive sleep apnea who also have low oxygen levels when they sleep are more likely to develop thyroid nodules in a 10-year Chinese study that was published in 2023. These growths may have an impact on the development of hyperthyroidism.
The results of this investigation go counter to earlier research that linked hypothyroidism to low thyroid hormone levels.
Knowing when to seek medical attention
Hypothyroidism, a slow-developing condition, can cause fatigue. See a healthcare professional if tiredness persists without a clear cause. They can measure thyroid hormones and prescribe medication.
