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Fertility and Sleep Cycles

Meaning

Fertility and Sleep Cycles describes the critical dependence of reproductive function on the synchronization and quality of an individual’s circadian rhythm and sleep architecture. Consistent, restorative sleep is necessary for the proper pulsatile release of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH), which subsequently regulates Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) in both sexes. Chronic sleep disruption acts as a significant physiological stressor, which can suppress the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal (HPG) axis, thereby impairing ovulation, spermatogenesis, and overall conception probability. Clinically, optimizing sleep is a foundational intervention in addressing unexplained fertility challenges.