Hashimoto thyroiditis-induced hypothyroidism can impact your sleep pattern in several ways and be a contributing factor to insomnia. Sleep disruptions may be lessened by controlling hypothyroidism and maintaining proper sleep hygiene.

The thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped organ in your neck that produces the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), is impacted by the autoimmune disease known as Hashimoto thyroiditis.

The most common cause of hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, is Hashimoto thyroiditis. Hypothyroidism is the result of the thyroid gland producing insufficient thyroid hormones to sustain bodily activities.

Hypothyroidism and sleep cycles may be correlated. Thus, sleep patterns can influence thyroid function, and sleep can be impacted by an underactive thyroid.

Although sleeplessness is not a common symptom of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, sleep difficulties are common in people with hypothyroidism.

Is insomnia a symptom of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis?

Individuals with hypothyroidism frequently have insomnia.

Insomnia and other sleep disorders may occur if hypothyroidism is brought on by Hashimoto thyroiditis. However, sleeplessness is not regarded as a recognized sign of Hashimoto thyroiditis or a diagnostic standard.

Insomnia and other sleep disorders are thought to be potential side effects of the intricate connection between hypothyroidism and sleep cycles.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and thyroid hormone synthesis are influenced by the length and quality of your sleep. The form and pattern of your sleep cycles, or what is referred to as your “sleep architecture,” can be impacted by TSH and thyroid hormone levels.

A 2021 review found that hypothyroidism is linked to poor sleep architecture and quality, which may help to explain why persons with low thyroid hormone production often feel exhausted.

However, it’s unclear exactly how hypothyroidism and sleeplessness are related. Researchers stated in a 2024 systematic study that there is no conclusive scientific connection between the symptoms of hypothyroidism and insomnia, or sleep deprivation.

The review states that the gradual onset of insomnia symptoms in individuals with hypothyroidism is probably caused by several factors, including the reciprocal association between sleep and underactive thyroid function.

For instance, sleeplessness may be a symptom of other hypothyroidism symptoms including joint pain, sadness, or cold intolerance, which can impact sleep patterns.

The connection between sleep cycles and hypothyroidism, particularly regarding Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, requires further investigation.

A further factor contributing to sleeplessness is the usage of levothyroxine, a drug commonly used to treat hypothyroidism.

How to manage insomnia in Hashimoto thyroiditis

Treating hypothyroidism and sleep disorders is frequently necessary to address insomnia in patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis because of the intricate reciprocal interaction between sleep and an underactive thyroid.

Synthetic T4 (levothyroxine) supplements are commonly used to treat hypothyroidism brought on by Hashimoto thyroiditis. The findings of routine thyroid hormone blood tests, along with other variables like age, height, weight, and co-occurring medical conditions, will be taken into account by a physician when determining the appropriate dosage.

Sleep aids and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) are two possible treatments for insomnia. This kind of psychotherapy was created especially to assist you in restructuring ideas and actions that might be causing you to sleep less.

Another aspect of treating insomnia is practicing good sleep hygiene. Implementing particular lifestyle practices that increase your chances of getting enough good sleep at night is known as sleep hygiene.

Some suggestions for good sleep hygiene are:

• maintaining a calm, dark, and chilly space
• maintaining a regular sleep and wake-up time
• Steer clear of alcohol and stimulants like nicotine and coffee right before bed.
• establishing a relaxing regimen before bed
• enhancing techniques for stress management
• Staying away from naps during the day
• avoiding heavy meals just before bed and eating lighter meals at night

How to balance thyroid hormones

Thyroid hormone replacement treatment may be necessary to control an underactive thyroid in Hashimoto thyroiditis. Hormone production cannot be sufficiently increased by lifestyle modifications to reduce symptoms.

However, lifestyle changes can also help thyroid hormone replacement therapy if you have hypothyroidism due to Hashimoto thyroiditis. This is because they can improve your thyroid’s general health, alleviate some symptoms, and reduce inflammation in your body.

The following lifestyle modifications may help maintain normal thyroid hormone levels:

• eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet
• avoiding goods that have bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, two examples of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs).
• Developing both short-term and long-term stress-reduction strategies
• maintaining a sufficient intake of iodine (not all patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis will benefit from this).
• stopping smoking, if you smoke
• maintaining a moderate weight
• getting regular exercise
• staying hydrated
• limiting substance use

The only person who can accurately diagnose you and suggest management techniques that meet your specific needs is a healthcare professional.

Takeaway

An autoimmune thyroid disorder called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can cause hypothyroidism, which may be a factor in insomnia and other sleep disorders. Although there is no proven scientific connection between Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and insomnia, there are several possible explanations for their co-occurrence, including an underactive thyroid.

Because sleep and underactive thyroid function are correlated, treating insomnia and hypothyroidism associated with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis may help alleviate the symptoms of both disorders.