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The endocrine system and sleep - nutrition
Lack of sleep affects various systems of the human body, with the endocrine system being one of the most affected. When we do not rest properly, our hormone levels become imbalanced, increasing or decreasing the secretion of various hormones. If this lack of rest is prolonged, the effects on health can be serious.
To avoid problems resulting from lack of sleep, it is essential to get at least 8 hours of deep rest for adults, allowing the body to recover from the damage suffered during the day.
In this guide we will analyze the impact of sleep on the endocrine system, one of the systems most sensitive to lack of rest.
Growth hormone, regulated by the hypothalamus and secreted by the pituitary gland, is affected by lack of sleep. This hormone is released primarily at the beginning of the night, and sleep disruptions significantly decrease its secretion.
Thyrotropin, which stimulates the thyroid gland, increases its levels towards the evening. When we do not sleep well, the levels of this hormone can increase by up to 200%. Interestingly, this effect only occurs when we sleep at night, as resting during the day does not have the same impact.
Cortisol, whose secretion peaks during the day, is inhibited by deep sleep. Disruption of sleep cycles can change cortisol levels, affecting its release in the body.
Melatonin, synthesized by the pineal gland, is released in dark conditions, which promotes sleep. Unlike other hormones, its secretion is not directly affected by the amount of sleep, but by the presence of light. It is therefore recommended to sleep in a dark environment to maintain melatonin production and improve the quality of rest.
