Sleep apnea is one of many hypothyroidism symptoms.1 It can cause daytime drowsiness,2 difficulty
concentrating, memory issues, and mood changes.3
Sleep apnea also causes your upper airway to collapse, thereby stopping breathing and interrupting
sleep.3 Sleep apnea can be caused by obesity, certain facial and airway features, older age, being male,
and having a history of snoring.3,4
It is also a common symptom in conditions, like hypothyroidism, that involve hormones and metabolism.5
One of many hypothyroidism symptoms, sleep apnea results from the thickening of the throat walls and
nasal passageways that arise during hypothyroidism.5
When those with hypothyroidism are treated, the occurrence of sleep apnea decreases or even goes away
entirely.2
If you are experiencing unexplained interruptions in your sleep and/or excessive daytime sleepiness, you
may have an undiagnosed thyroid condition and should arrange a thyroid test with your healthcare
provider.
References:
1. Grunstein RR, Sullivan CE. Sleep apnea and hypothyroidism: mechanisms and management. Am J Med. 1988;85(6):775-779. 2. Peters B. Can your thyroid
gland and thyroid hormones cause sleep disorders? Verywell Health. Accessed May 24, 2023. https://www.verywellhealth.com/thyroid-hormones-sleep-disorders-3014705 3. Spicuzza L, Caruso D, Di Maria G. Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome and its management. Ther Adv Chronic Dis. 2015;6(5):273-285.
4. Sleep apnea. Mayo Clinic. Accessed May 29, 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sleep-apnea/symptoms-causes/syc-20377631 5. Attal
P, Chanson P. Endocrine aspects of obstructive sleep apnea. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010;95(2):483-495.
