Struggling with Sleep? You Might Be Waking Up Due to Thyroid Issues

A recent study has revealed a surprising statistic: more than half (54%) of Britons frequently wake up in the middle of the night and have difficulty falling back asleep. While occasional wake-ups during the night are common, the issue seems to be affecting a larger portion of the population. In fact, a poll of 2,000 adults commissioned by sleep technology company Simba found that nearly a third (32%) of respondents experience these middle-of-the-night awakenings almost every night. Women are more impacted than men, with 34% of women facing this issue compared to 30% of men.

Young Millennials and older Gen Z, particularly those aged 25-34, are most affected, with 37% reporting frequent wake-ups that leave them tossing and turning through the night. But what is behind this widespread sleep disturbance? Experts suggest that it could be a sign of an underlying health condition, such as a thyroid issue.

Could Your Thyroid Be Causing Sleep Disturbances?

Lisa Artis, Deputy CEO of the Sleep Charity, a charity partner of Simba, warns that persistent nighttime wake-ups may be linked to thyroid problems. “Waking up too early can indicate an underactive or overactive thyroid,” says Artis.

Your thyroid, a small butterfly-shaped gland in your neck, plays a crucial role in regulating several vital bodily functions, including metabolism, energy levels, and body temperature. The thyroid produces two important hormones—T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine)—which help control these processes. When your thyroid is either underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive (hyperthyroidism), it can significantly affect your sleep patterns.

Hyperthyroidism vs. Hypothyroidism: How They Affect Sleep

Both underactive and overactive thyroids can interfere with sleep, but they do so in different ways.

• Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid): This condition speeds up your metabolism, which can lead to symptoms like insomnia, restlessness, night sweats, and a racing heart. People with hyperthyroidism often feel wired yet exhausted, making it difficult to maintain a consistent sleep cycle. Excessive thyroid hormones can increase cortisol (the stress hormone), which disrupts sleep and may cause early waking in the morning.
• Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid): On the other hand, hypothyroidism tends to slow down your metabolism, causing fatigue, excessive sleepiness, and trouble staying awake during the day. It can also contribute to sleep apnea, further disturbing your sleep quality.

If you have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, hyperthyroidism is typically the culprit. However, if you find yourself constantly tired, hypothyroidism could be the cause. Simba’s research highlights that 18% of people feel fatigued all the time, a common symptom of hypothyroidism.

Thyroid hormones also play a critical role in regulating the body’s circadian rhythm, which controls the sleep-wake cycle. When thyroid hormone levels are out of balance, this rhythm can become disrupted, leading to early morning wake-ups and sleep disturbances.

The Link Between Cortisol and Early Waking

Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, is more likely to cause you to wake up early in the morning. The excess thyroid hormones stimulate the nervous system and can lead to symptoms like anxiety, rapid heart rate, and restlessness. This, in turn, increases cortisol levels, which may cause you to wake up earlier than usual, disrupting your sleep cycle.

As Artis explains, “Cortisol plays a role in waking you up in the morning, but if your thyroid is overactive, the stress response can become imbalanced, causing you to wake up too early and feel restless.”

The Celebrities Who’ve Opened Up About Thyroid Issues

Several celebrities have been open about their struggles with thyroid conditions, including Liam Gallagher, Rachel Stevens, and supermodel Gigi Hadid. Missy Elliott has also shared her battle with Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder that leads to hyperthyroidism.

Thyroid Problems Are More Common Than You Think

According to the University of Aberdeen, one in 20 people in the UK have a thyroid problem, with the condition most commonly striking individuals between the ages of 20 and 40. Women are 10 times more likely to suffer from thyroid issues than men, making early detection and treatment essential.

Signs You Might Have a Thyroid Issue

Simba’s study revealed that people with thyroid problems often experience other symptoms beyond sleep disturbances. These include:

• 10% feel overly hot or sweaty, even when others aren’t
• 12% have an irregular or racing heartbeat
• 17% report dry, strained, or irritated eyes
• 52% struggle with anxiety, restlessness, or irritability—common signs of hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)

On the other hand, those with hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) may experience:

• 37% become more sensitive to the cold
• 17% gain weight despite no changes in diet
• 23% report dry, scaly skin
• 16% notice their hair and nails becoming brittle

If you frequently wake up in the middle of the night and experience any of the above symptoms, it could indicate an issue with your thyroid. “What distinguishes waking early from thyroid issues from occasional bouts of early morning waking is the presence of other symptoms, such as persistent fatigue, unexplained weight gain or loss, and feeling excessively cold or overheating,” explains Artis.

How to Get Diagnosed and Treated

Thyroid issues often develop gradually and can be difficult to diagnose because their symptoms overlap with those of other conditions. However, a simple blood test can easily detect thyroid problems. If you’re experiencing persistent fatigue, sleep disturbances, or other symptoms of a thyroid disorder, it’s a good idea to consult your doctor.

The good news is that thyroid problems are treatable. With the right treatment and small lifestyle changes, you can manage your thyroid condition and improve your sleep.

Conclusion

If you’re waking up regularly in the middle of the night and struggling to get back to sleep, it could be a sign of a thyroid issue. Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can both disrupt your sleep, but they do so in different ways. Be sure to pay attention to other symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, or temperature sensitivity, and consult your doctor to rule out thyroid problems. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in managing your condition and improving your sleep quality.

To manage thyroid issues effectively, here are a few of Simba and The Sleep Charity’s top tips:

1. Seek medical advice – If you’re regularly waking up too early and experiencing other symptoms, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to rule out thyroid conditions.

2. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule – Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day to help regulate your body’s natural rhythm

3. Exercise regularly – Physical activity can help improve sleep quality, mood, and metabolism – all of which can support thyroid function.

4. 5-A-Day – A poor diet with low-nutrient foods is a key factor in thyroid disorders, as the thyroid relies heavily on essential nutrients to function properly. Add berries to your breakfast cereal or yoghurt, grab an apple or banana as a snack, throw an orange in your bag to cut up at lunch and finish with a juicy pineapple or papaya for dinner. Aim to eat at least five portions of a variety of fruits and vegetables every day.

5. Curb sugar and processed foods – Cut down on sugary snacks, fizzy drinks, and processed foods. Swap them for natural sweeteners with a lower glycemic index like honey, maple syrup, stevia or coconut sugar but use them in moderation. Focus on whole foods – veg, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. These nutrient-rich foods help keep your blood sugar steady and support your thyroid, giving your overall health a boost.

6. Watch out for Soya – Levothyroxine is a medication commonly prescribed to treat hypothyroidism. The potential impact of soya on levothyroxine absorption remains a topic of discussion. While some studies show no effect, others suggest it may influence absorption, particularly in women. To be on the safe side, it’s advisable to avoid consuming soya close to the time you take your levothyroxine. A gap of at least four hours between the two should help prevent any potential interference with the medication’s effectiveness.
7. Opt for healthy fats and nutrients that support your thyroid – Incorporate healthy fats into your diet with foods like avocados, nuts, seeds and olive oil. These fats help with hormone production and keep blood sugar levels stable. Include iodine-rich foods like seaweed, seafood, dairy and white fish – like cod and haddock – to support thyroid health, and don’t forget selenium-rich options such as Brazil nuts, tuna, pork, eggs, cottage cheese and sunflower seeds. Make sure you’re also getting enough vitamins B and D, either through food or supplements if needed, to keep your thyroid functioning well.

8. Find your perfect sleep temperature – Temperature regulation is a key factor for those with thyroid conditions, as fluctuating body temperatures can be a common issue. A cool room (around 65°F / 18°C) is ideal for sleep. The Simba Hybrid Duvet is also great for temperature control, thanks to its advanced temperature-regulating technology that adapts to your body’s needs, keeping you at the perfect temperature throughout the night.

9. Go natural: A comfortable mattress is essential for restorative sleep, particularly for people with thyroid problems. The Simba Earth Mattress is designed with natural, breathable materials that help create a toxin-free sleep environment, which can be crucial in reducing inflammation and promoting better health. This is particularly beneficial for those with autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, as it minimizes external stressors that can aggravate symptoms.

10. Careful with Coffee – A study found that caffeine can interfere with thyroid medication absorption, leading to unstable thyroid levels. You should take your medication with water and wait at least 30 minutes before drinking coffee.

What to avoid? 

“Ignoring things. Waking up too early and not being able to fall back asleep may seem like a minor inconvenience, but if it’s happening consistently, it could be an important clue that something else is going on. Don’t ignore the signs.

“Getting an under or over active thyroid diagnosed early is crucial. When your thyroid isn’t producing enough hormones, it can also slow down how your body processes fat.

“This can lead to high cholesterol and clogged arteries, increasing the risk of serious heart problems like angina or even a heart attack. A Thyroid Function blood test can shine a light on the situation very simply.”says Lisa.

Symptoms of an Overactive Thyroid (Hyperthyroidism):

• Weight loss – Losing weight despite an increased appetite.
• Sensitivity to heat- Feeling hot and sweating more than usual.
• Fast heart rate – Experiencing an irregular or rapid heartbeat (palpitations).
• Eye problems – Dry, gritty, or red eyes, blurred or double vision.
• Goiter – Swelling in the neck due to an enlarged thyroid gland.
• Skin problems – Red palms, hives, or warm skin.
• Hair loss – Thinning hair or patchy hair loss.
• Nervousness – Feeling anxious or having racing thoughts.

Symptoms of an Underactive Thyroid (Hypothyroidism):

• Weight gain – Gaining weight due to a slowed metabolism.
• Sensitivity to cold – Struggling to stay warm.
• Slow heart rate – Heartbeat slowing down.
• Muscle weakness – Experiencing muscle aches, pains, or weakness.
• Skin problems – Dry, scaly, or itchy skin.
• Hair loss – Brittle, dry, or thinning hair.
• Mood changes – Feeling depressed, experiencing brain fog, or mood swings.
• Digestive problems – Constipation or irregular periods.
• Physical – Hoarse voice, puffy face, or hearing loss.