Research Report: Sleep Cycles

Sleep is a universal necessity, yet its patterns and intricacies vary between individuals and genders. As more studies are conducted, sleep science unveils a fascinating landscape where men and women navigate sleep cycles. Recent research has brought to light compelling disparities in the sleep cycles of men and women, shedding light on how biological and physiological factors influence our nightly rest. In this article, we will explore the nuances uncovered by science and the organs that impact our sleep patterns.

SLEEP CYCLE MALE & FEMALE

Scientific medicine has known little about the human sleep cycle. Over the last few decades, research has discovered that the thyroid is involved in our nightly sleep cycle. Research at Rutgers University in 2007 found our thyroid does much more than help regulate body temperature and weight. Patients who have radiation treatments or have their thyroid removed find that they become a metabolic mess as doctors try to stabilize functions with hormonal drugs. Additionally, in April 2024, recent research from the University of Southampton in the UK revealed that men and women have differences in how they sleep. Men's and women's metabolism is different and affects the sleep cycles. The research was published in the April 2024 Sleep Medicine Review. 

“This research highlights the crucial role that our sex plays in understanding these factors and that biological sex needs to be considered when treating sleep, circadian rhythm, and metabolic disorders.” Sleep Medicine Review, April 2024

THYROID AND SLEEP

The Rutgers University research discovered that the thyroid manufactures hormones, which influence the brain and nervous system. The thyroid hormones act as receptors on brain cells and act as neurotransmitters. This influences cellular activity and regeneration. Such research has led to the understanding that thyroid hormones help regulate the circadian rhythm and help the brain regulate breathing during sleep. Therefore, science is looking more at the thyroid when it comes to insomnia, depression, anxiety, and sleep apnea. 

“Sleep disruptions affect our health and well-being in many ways. Sleep disorders, impair cognitive function and mood disorders. Minor differences in the circadian cycle over time can become major health concerns.” Renske Lok, PhD, Sanford University

THE UK STUDY

The University of Southampton asked men and women to describe the quality of their sleep and their research reported:

• Women report lower sleep quality compared to men
• Women report fluctuations in sleep quality that are influenced  by the menstrual cycle
• Poor sleep quality correlates with anxiety and depression
• Women experience more depression and anxiety compared to men
• Women are more likely to be diagnosed with insomnia than men
• There may be a correlation between poor sleep and restless leg syndrome with a 25-50 percent higher risk for women
• Poor sleep can correlate with sleep-related eating disorders where people eat repeatedly during the night 
• Poor sleep increases the risk of sleep apnea which men have three times higher risk than women
• Sleep apnea manifests differently in women than in men
• Sleep apnea in women is associated with heart failure but not in men
• Women sleep on average eight minutes longer than men in non-REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep where the brain activity slows
• As men age the non-REM declines more substantially than in women
• Women enter REM sleep more rapidly or earlier than men

“Most sleep and circadian interventions are a newly emerging field with limited research on sex differences.”   Sarah L. Chellappa, PhD, University of Southampton

The researchers at the University of Southampton teamed up with researchers at Stanford and Harvard University in the US and concluded that men and women have different circadian rhythms. Here is what they reported:

• The timing of the circadian rhythms and sleep is influenced by melatonin which is released earlier in women than in men  
• Body core temperature is highest before sleep and lowest before waking, following the circadian pattern of reaching their peaks earlier in women than men
• Circadian cycles in women are shorter by six minutes compared to men
• In the US and Europe, 30% of people ages 30-64 sleep less than 6 hours per night 
• Regarding sleep deprivation, women and men react differently to pictures of food
• Decision-making and emotions are impacted by lack of sleep and have twice the impact in women compared to men 
• Men were found to overeat more than women regarding sleep loss
• Night-shift workers were found to be at higher risk of being overweight and diabetic with men having the higher risk of diabetes and women being overweight.

“While these differences may seem small, they are significant. The misalignment between the central body clock and the sleep-wake cycle is about five times larger in women than in men. Imagine someone’s watch constantly running six minutes faster or slower and over time will cause noticeable misalignment in the sleep cycle with external cues such as light or darkness.” Renske Lok, PhD, Sanford University

HERBS FOR THYROID SUPPORT

In my research, balancing the thyroid is the key to improving sleep quality. Our thyroid gland must have organic iodine (not synthetic iodine) to manufacture the hormones necessary for sleep. If the gland is overworked or exhausted, the thyroid will need soothing as well. Depression and weight gain are also common complications when the thyroid is out of balance. Difficulties can come into play if surgery or radiation treatment has been done on the thyroid.

If you have the right herbs and use them in the right combination the thyroid can be regenerated to its optimal state. When the thyroid has the nutrition it needs it can manufacture the hormones necessary for sleep and proper breathing during sleep. Here are the recommended herbal tools for thyroid:

• Black Walnut Tincture- natural iodine to support thyroid
• Mullein Tincture - soothes the thyroid gland
• Siberian Ginseng - offers energy on a cellular level

In case the heart has been weakened by sleep apnea and to strengthen the cardio system, add these formulas:

• Heart Cholesterol BP Tincture Cholesterol BP formula - strengthens the cardiovascular system
• Hawthorn Berries - help lower the risk of stroke
• Circulation Formula - improves circulation and blood pressure
• Motherwort Tincture - heart flutter or Afib
• Heart Attack Pack - improves breathing and protects the heart from damage

Other formulas to help with the transition to optimal wellness:

• Valerian Root or Emotional Stress - depression or anxiety
• Body Foundation Food Mix - energy and help with weight gain
• Diabetic Formula - balance blood sugar
• Brain Concentrate - improve cognitive function
• Relaxation Formula - relax muscles to improve sleep

By recognizing the variances gender plays in circadian rhythms and the risks associated with lack of sleep in men and women, we can address the cause of many ailments Americans are suffering from. As new research continues to unravel the complexities of our natural biological clocks, it is crucial to overall health to prioritize quality sleep and supporting the thyroid with nutritional support to guide the body back to its natural balance. Supporting the thyroid can be the key to solving other conditions that affect sleep, such as anxiety, depression, and sleep apnea. Empower yourself today with organic, cold-pressed tinctures offered by Apothecary Herbs Inc.

*The information contained herein is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure disease. Seek medical advice from a licensed medical physician before using any product or therapy.*

Sources:

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/04/240410112643.htm

https://www.rutgers.edu/news/role-thyroid-hormones-slumber-under-investigation-rutgers-camden

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070520183533.htm

http://www.sleepapnea.org/i-am-a-health-care-professional.html

http://www.sleepapnea.org/treat/treatment-options/warning-to-anesthesiologists.html

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/10/151013144027.htm

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070808094704.htm