How Sleep Affects Your Thyroid— Simple Tips to Improve Both

Did you know sleep and your thyroid are best friends? That’s right! When you sleep well, your thyroid works better. And when your thyroid is balanced, it’s easier to sleep. But if one gets off track, the other can too. Let’s look at how sleep affects your thyroid—and what you can do to help both.

Why Sleep Matters for Thyroid Health

Your thyroid is a small gland that controls your energy, mood, and metabolism. While you sleep, your body rests, repairs, and balances hormones—including your thyroid hormones. But if you’re not sleeping enough, or waking up often, your body can get stressed.

When your body feels stress, it makes a hormone called cortisol. Too much cortisol can cause problems with your thyroid, making it harder to make or use the hormones you need. This can lead to:

• Feeling tired all day

• Weight Gain

• Brain fog

• Mood swings

Poor sleep and thyroid problems can create a cycle that’s hard to break, but not impossible.

Simple Tips to Sleep Better and Support Your Thyroid

• Stick to a Schedule
 Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even on weekends. This helps your body know when it’s time to rest.

• Turn Off Screens Before Bed
 TVs, phones, and tablets give off light that tells your brain to stay awake. Turn them off at least 1 hour before bed.

• Create a Calming Bedtime Routine
 Take a warm bath, read a book, or do deep breathing to help your body relax.

• Avoid Sugar and Caffeine Late in the Day
 These can make it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.

• Make Your Bedroom Sleep-Friendly 
Keep your room dark, cool, and quiet. Try blackout curtains or a white noise machine if needed.

Rest to Feel Your Best

When you take care of your sleep, you help your thyroid too. A good night’s rest can help you feel more energized, clear-headed, and balanced. For guidance on finding the right sleep solutions, contact a functional wellness practitioner. They can get to the root cause of why you’re struggling to sleep.