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Slow-wave sleep and androgens: selective slow-wave sleep suppression affects testosterone and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone
Yu V Ukraintseva1, K M Liaukovich2, А A Polishchuk3
1Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Butlerova St. 5A, 117485, Moscow, Russia; ITMO University, Kronverksky Pr. 49, 197101, Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Sleep Medicine
|June 13, 2018
Summary
Suppression of slow-wave sleep (SWS) in men lowers morning testosterone and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone levels. This highlights SWS importance for androgen production and suggests chronic sleep issues may risk androgen deficiency.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Sleep Science
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Steroid hormone levels, including androgens and cortisol, exhibit circadian rhythms linked to the sleep-wake cycle.
- The specific role of distinct sleep stages in regulating steroid hormone secretion is not fully understood.
- Understanding these relationships is crucial for addressing potential hormonal imbalances related to sleep disturbances.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of suppressing slow-wave sleep (SWS) on morning concentrations of key androgens and cortisol.
- To elucidate the functional significance of SWS in the regulation of steroid hormone synthesis and release.
- To provide insights into the potential long-term consequences of SWS disruption on hormonal health.
Main Methods:
- Twelve healthy male volunteers underwent two experimental conditions: one with selective SWS suppression via acoustic stimulation and a control session with undisturbed sleep.
- Salivary samples were collected upon awakening and 40 minutes later in the morning.
- Hormone levels (testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, and cortisol) were quantified using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.
Main Results:
- Selective SWS suppression significantly reduced SWS duration by 54.2% without affecting total sleep time or sleep efficiency.
- Morning testosterone and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone levels were significantly lower following SWS suppression compared to the control condition.
- The ratio of dehydroepiandrosterone to androstenedione was significantly higher in the SWS suppression condition, while cortisol, androstenedione, and dehydroepiandrosterone levels showed no significant differences.
Conclusions:
- The findings underscore the critical role of SWS in the morning synthesis and secretion of testosterone and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone.
- Reduced SWS, as experienced in chronic sleep problems, may elevate the long-term risk of developing androgen deficiency.
- Targeting SWS preservation could be a potential strategy for mitigating hormonal disturbances associated with sleep disorders.
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