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Sleep Disturbances and Male Reproductive Dysfunction: Pathophysiological Mechanisms Linking Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Tathiana A Alvarenga1, Mariana Toricelli1, Renata Mazaro-Costa2

  • 1Instituto do Sono/Associação Fundo de Incentivo à Pesquisa (AFIP), São Paulo, Brazil.

Comprehensive Physiology
|July 1, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Sleep disturbances like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and sleep deprivation negatively impact male fertility by disrupting hormones and increasing oxidative stress. Addressing these sleep issues may improve reproductive health, but more research is needed.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Endocrinology
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Andrology

Background:

  • Sleep disturbances, including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and sleep deprivation, are significant but often overlooked causes of male reproductive dysfunction.
  • These conditions disrupt hormonal balance, lowering testosterone and luteinizing hormone, which are crucial for sperm production.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the scientific literature on how OSA and sleep deprivation affect male fertility.
  • To explore the underlying endocrine, oxidative stress, and inflammatory mechanisms involved.

Main Methods:

  • A non-systematic narrative review of studies was performed.
  • Databases searched included PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science.
  • Focus was on clinical and experimental research examining sleep disturbances and male reproductive health.

Main Results:

  • Sleep disruption and OSA-induced intermittent hypoxia cause oxidative stress, inflammation, and testicular damage.
  • This leads to reduced sperm motility, abnormal sperm shape, and DNA damage.
  • In OSA patients, reproductive issues correlate with the severity of sleep apnea and oxygen levels.

Conclusions:

  • Sleep disturbances are a potentially modifiable factor in male reproductive health.
  • Treatments for sleep disorders and oxidative stress show promise for improving hormonal and physiological markers.
  • Further research is required to confirm the direct impact on fertility and clinical utility.
Keywords:
CPAPerectile dysfunctionintermittent hypoxiamale fertilityobstructive sleep apneaoxidative stresssleepsleep deprivationsperm qualitytestosterone

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