N
The Global Insight

Does hypothyroidism affect sleep?

Author

Christopher Ramos

Updated on April 13, 2026

If your thyroid makes too little hormone, it's a more common condition called hypothyroidism. You might have trouble falling asleep or not be able to stay asleep long enough to feel fully rested. Hypothyroidism also can affect your sleep by making you feel too cold or causing joint or muscle pain.

Does hypothyroidism cause insomnia?

Hypothyroidism may be linked to insomnia, but the research so far is not consistent. However, people with hypothyroidism often experience trouble tolerating cold temperatures at night or joint and muscle pain that can disrupt sleep. Side effects of thyroxine can also cause difficulty sleeping if the dose is too high.

Do people with thyroid problems sleep a lot?

Too little thyroid hormone causes an underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism. This may result in fatigue, lack of energy and excessive daytime sleepiness. Regardless of what's causing you to toss and turn, a sleep overhaul might be in order.

Does thyroid cause insomnia?

(5) showed a direct correlation between levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), T3, and T4 and the severity of insomnia symptoms. Additionally, hyperthyroidism can cause or worsen other conditions such as anxiety or depression, which in turn can further impair sleep and insomnia (6).

How should I sleep with hypothyroidism?

Here are some tips to try.

  1. Keep your bedroom cool. “A comfortable bedroom temperature is important, especially while you're in the process of getting your thyroid regulated,” Rosenberg says. ...
  2. Embrace the dark. ...
  3. Calm down. ...
  4. Sleep in a comfy bed. ...
  5. Avoid nighttime feasts. ...
  6. Have a small snack instead. ...
  7. De-stress.

Minneapolis Thyroid Doctor How sleep can affect your thyroid symptoms

Do thyroid symptoms get worse at night?

Your Thyroid and Your Sleep

If your thyroid makes too much hormone, it's a condition called hyperthyroidism. You might wake up often feeling nervous or cranky, have night sweats, or have to pee often during the night.

Why does thyroid cause sleep problems?

Hyperthyroidism (overactive) can cause difficulty sleeping7 due to arousals from nervousness or irritability, as well as muscle weakness and constant feelings of tiredness. An overactive thyroid may also lead to night sweats and frequent urges to urinate, both of which can disrupt sleep.

What are early warning signs of thyroid problems?

7 Early Warning Signs of Thyroid Issues

  • Fatigue.
  • Weight gain.
  • Weight loss.
  • Slowed heart rate.
  • Increased heart rate.
  • Sensitivity to heat.
  • Sensitivity to cold.

How much water should I drink with hypothyroidism?

Diet and medication are certainly important to manage your condition when suffering from hypothyroidism, however, there are a few more factors which are equally responsible. Every individual must drink at least 2 litres of water daily to stay healthy and fit.

Is anxiety a symptom of hypothyroidism?

Anxiety is very common with hypothyroidism, and it can exist alongside depression or on its own, Solomon says. A study of 100 people with hypothyroidism published in the July-August 2016 issue of the Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism found that 63 percent showed some degree of anxiety.

Will levothyroxine help me sleep?

Conclusions: After treatment with levothyroxine for over 4 weeks, prolonged sleep time and EDS were improved. Levothyroxine was effective for hypersomnia and well tolerated.

What foods trigger hypothyroidism?

These foods contain goitrogens or are known irritants if consumed in large amounts: Soy-based foods: tofu, tempeh, edamame beans, soy milk, etc. Certain fruits: peaches, pears, and strawberries. Beverages: coffee, green tea, and alcohol — these beverages may irritate your thyroid gland ( 27 , 28 , 29 )

Can hypothyroidism go away?

For those with particularly low levels of thyroid hormones, hypothyroidism is a life-long condition that will need to be controlled with medication on a regular schedule. It can be controlled very well and you can live a normal life with hypothyroidism.

Is banana good for hypothyroidism?

Bananas are really good for hypothyroidism. Having two or three bananas is highly recommended in hypothyroidism. The foods that you must avoid are cabbage, cauliflower, soya beans, kale, brussel sprouts,etc.

Is melatonin good for hypothyroidism?

Found that only after treatment of melatonin in the treatment of hypothyroidism is significantly reduced depressive states with 10.9±0.9 points to 6.9±0.5 points (P

Can lack of sleep affect TSH levels?

Sleep loss can also affect the function of the human hypothalamo-pituitary-thyroid axis. In contrast to the effects of sleep deprivation in rodents, acute sleep loss in humans is associated with increased TSH, T4, and T3,6,7 and human sleep is believed to have an acute inhibitory effect on overnight TSH secretion.

Is walking good for hypothyroidism?

Regularly participating in activities like running, walking at a brisk pace, or playing a sport can improve cardiac health. The related mood-boosting benefits can also relieve other hypothyroidism symptoms including depression and fatigue.

Is coffee good for hypothyroidism?

Coffee: Time Your First Cup Carefully in the Morning

Per a study in the journal Thyroid, caffeine has been found to block absorption of thyroid hormone replacement. "People who were taking their thyroid medication with their morning coffee had uncontrollable thyroid levels, and we couldn't figure it out," says Dr. Lee.

What tea is good for thyroid?

A small Greek case-control study found that drinking herbal teas, and in particular chamomile tea, over a long period of time is linked to a decreased risk of developing thyroid cancer and other thyroid diseases.

What happens if hypothyroidism is left untreated?

If left untreated, though, hypothyroidism can lead to many complications. These include heart problems, nerve injury, infertility and in severe cases, death.

At what age do thyroid problems start?

The disease is hereditary, and you may develop it at any age. It's much more common in people assigned female at birth between the ages of 20 to 30, according to the Department of Health and Human Services . Other risk factors can include: family history.

Can hypothyroidism cause frequent urination?

Thyroid hormones act on the gastrointestinal tract so an excess can cause more frequent bowel movements, including diarrhoea. Kidney function may also be affected, causing more frequent urination.

Can I sleep after taking thyroid medication?

Official answer. There is no warning or instruction about lying down after you take levothyroxine in the drug's detailed prescribing information. Unless your doctor gives you different directions, you can lay down after taking it.

Can I take levothyroxine at night before bed?

Conclusions Levothyroxine taken at bedtime significantly improved thyroid hormone levels. Quality-of-life variables and plasma lipid levels showed no significant changes with bedtime vs morning intake. Clinicians should consider prescribing levothyroxine intake at bedtime.

Can thyroid affect eyes?

Eye problems, known as thyroid eye disease or Graves' ophthalmopathy, affect around 1 in 3 people with an overactive thyroid caused by Graves' disease. Problems can include: eyes feeling dry and gritty. sensitivity to light.