Sleep, Circadian Rhythms, and Fertility

Abstract

Adequate sleep is crucial for general health and wellbeing. Although the neuronal control of the reproductive axis and sleep-generating neurons share an anatomical location, little is known regarding the impact of sleep and circadian disruption on fertility in women. Animal models have established clear circadian control of the pre-ovulatory luteinizing hormone surge. Additionally, disruption of the circadian timing system by exposure to abnormal light-dark cycles or mutations of core clock genes results in diminished reproductive capacity in animals. Abnormalities in menstruation, fertility, and early pregnancy maintenance in female shift workers provide evidence for a role of circadian rhythms in the reproductive health of women. Reproductive hormones may modify sleep, and the relationship is bidirectional such that sleep disruption may alter the profile of reproductive hormone secretion. Therefore, sleep, apart from its circadian timing, may also have relevance in attaining pregnancy. Additionally, infertility is associated with psychological distress which may result in poor quality sleep. The interaction between psychological distress and disturbed sleep in reproduction has garnered minimal attention and may be a crucial factor to consider during the evaluation and treatment of infertility. This work reviews animal models and evidence in women that suggest a role for sleep and circadian rhythms in reproductive health and reveals areas that require future investigation.

Sleep and Reproductive Health

“…High levels of melatonin are found in human ovarian follicular fluid secreted by the pineal gland and ovaries. During ovulation, the importance of melatonin present in the ovarian follicles is to protect the oocyte from oxidative stress [95]. In a study, low levels of follicular melatonin were observed to be associated with higher levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduced oocyte quality in infertile women [96].…”

Attenuation of sleep deprivation dependent deterioration in male fertility parameters by vitamin C

“…SD has serious adverse effects on different body functions resulting in cardiovascular diseases, immune disturbances and neuro-endocrinal changes [9]. Furthermore, SD and psychological stress alter the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous system with negative impact on both sexuality and fertility [10]. Inadequate sleep has been reported to decrease semen quality [11].…”

Etiopathogenesis, Challenges and Remedies Associated With Female Genital Tuberculosis: Potential Role of Nuclear Receptors

“…PPARs are essential for trophoblast invasion, decidualization, tissue remodeling, ovarian function, and placental formation ( 134 – 136 ). Additionally, circadian rhythm disturbance is reported to affect female fertility ( 137 ). Rev-erb is a circadian NR, which maintains the circadian rhythm ( 138 ) and may have a role in female fertility.…”