Sleep Deprivation: A Modifiable Cause for Male Infertility

Male infertility is a growing global concern with increasing prevalence in both developing and developed nations. While many associations between environmental factors and male infertility have been explored, the relationship between sleep deprivation and male infertility remains underexplored. This narrative review examines the reported effects of sleep deprivation on the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal (HPG) axis, Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, oxidative stress, and testicular function, and their consequential effects on male infertility. Disruption of the HPG axis results in altered FSH and LH levels, leading to fluctuation in testosterone levels, negatively affecting spermatogenesis and other critical reproductive processes. Activation of the HPA axis, often due to stress, elevates cortisol levels, which, in turn, suppresses gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), impairing reproductive function. Reactive oxidative species accumulate in periods of oxidative stress and have been shown to damage sperm and reduce their quality. The blood-testis-barrier (BTB) is disrupted in states of sleep deprivation, leading to decreased sperm quality. A literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar to assess peer-reviewed studies from 1990 to 2024, revealing a complex interplay between sleep deprivation and male reproductive dysfunction. While existing studies support a link between sleep disturbances and hormonal dysregulation, further research is needed to establish causal relationships and identify potential therapeutic interventions. Addressing sleep deprivation may represent a modifiable factor in improving male fertility outcomes.