Denver, CO- A study presented today at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine’s Scientific Congress evaluated  the association between impaired sleep and reduced testosterone levels in men.  Aging, increasing alcohol consumption, and higher BMI also contribute to lower testosterone levels.

The researchers examined data on 2,296 males 16 years of age or older in the NHANES dataset with serum testosterone levels recorded. In addition to serum and total testosterone levels, the data included demographic factors,  self-reported sleep duration, physical activity, and diagnosed diseases or health conditions. Subjects were between 16 to 80 years of age (average age 46), slept from two to 12 hours a night (an average of 6.86 hours), and had serum testosterone levels ranging from 43.39 ng/dL to 779.2 ng/dL (average 303.33 ng/dL).

After statistical analysis, adjusting for co-morbidities and demographics, they found serum testosterone levels decreased by 0.49 ng/dL per year of age,  5.85 ng/dL per lost hour of sleep, 6.18 ng/dL per BMI unit increase, and 2.99 ng/dL per each unit increase in alcohol consumption.

Robert Brannigan, MD, a member of ASRM’s Board of Directors, remarked “Reduction in testosterone level can have deleterious effects on a man’s health beyond his fertility and sexual function.  Testosterone is essential for goodmetabolic function and decreased levels of the hormoneare associated with metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease.  Low testosterone can contribute to fatigue and depression, as well. A balanced diet and a healthy sleep routine are interventions a man can take on his own to help keep his T levels stable.”

P-135   P. Patel et al,  IMPAIRED SLEEP IS ASSOCIATED WITH LOW TESTOSTERONE IN US ADULT MALES: RESULTS FROM THE NATIONAL HEALTH AND NUTRITION SURVEY.