Unraveling the Connection: Does Hashimoto’s Cause Insomnia?

Do you spend your nights tossing and turning? 

Are you hoping for just one night of blissful sleep? 

Perhaps you just want to wake up feeling refreshed. 

There’s no arguing that sleep plays a crucial role in the well-being of our body and mind. However, a restful night's sleep may often seem impossible for those suffering from Hashimoto's, an autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid gland. 



This article aims to provide actionable advice and help those living with Hashimoto's understand thyroid-insomnia relationships and implement effective sleep solutions. 

Table of Contents

Yes, Hashimoto's, an autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid gland, can cause insomnia. 



As the thyroid regulates metabolism and sleep-wake cycles, its dysfunction may lead to sleep disturbances. Hashimoto's disease affects the body's internal clock and circadian rhythm as thyroid hormone levels fluctuate.

Circadian rhythm is the body's biological clock that operates 24 hours a day. During the day, it gives us energy, while at night, it makes us sleepy. 

When the circadian rhythm is disrupted, everything in the body may be affected — especially the immune system and hormones.



A healthy circadian rhythm is vital for people with autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto's to promote thyroid health and dampen thyroid flares. 

It's essential to exercise caution if you have Hashimoto's and are considering melatonin supplements. Melatonin is commonly used to regulate sleep patterns, but may interfere with thyroid medications or influence thyroid function. 

A healthcare professional should be consulted before introducing melatonin into your routine. Individuals' thyroid health can be complex, and melatonin and thyroid hormones interact differently. Your doctor can provide personalized advice based on your Hashimoto's condition and overall health.

By taking this precautionary step, you will be aware of any potential risks or interactions, allowing you to make an informed decision about using melatonin while living with Hashimoto's disease.

Before grabbing the bottle of melatonin, let the experts at HealthierU help you determine the cause of your insomnia and Hashimoto’s. 

Contact us today to learn more about your thyroid health and how to treat it through a nutritional and holistic approach. 

Ordinary people with healthy cortisol production experience a high level of cortisol in the morning. This is followed by a slow and steady cortisol decline until bedtime, when levels drop to their lowest, making us feel tired and able to fall asleep.

Adrenal dysfunction, however, may cause two different types of sleep disturbances.

The first is an excess of cortisol throughout the day, even in the evening, when cortisol levels should be low. During the day, this person may feel anxious and tired. The mornings will be busy, the nocturnal awakenings will be startling, and they will be hypervigilant or agitated.



The second type is when an individual with Hashimoto's may have low cortisol levels during the day but present with slight increases at bedtime. This person is usually tired all day but gets a second wind in the evening and has trouble falling asleep at night. 

Hashimoto's requires a comprehensive approach to addressing thyroid and adrenal issues. 

Working with an endocrinologist, functional medicine practitioner, or naturopath who can tailor a plan to your needs is crucial. 

Treating adrenal issues usually involves: 



• Stress management
• Healthy lifestyle; and
• Sometimes the use of supplements or medications
  

Nutrient deficiencies often cause our inability to achieve quality sleep.

Those with Hashimoto’s often suffer from nutrient deficiencies due to the autoimmune nature of the condition and possible malabsorption problems. 

The most common nutritional deficiencies seen in Hashimoto's syndrome are:

• Low ferritin levels
• B12 deficiency
• Low folate levels
• B6 deficiency

When targeting nutrient deficiencies, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional such as a doctor or registered dietician. 



A healthcare professional will be able to identify any specific nutrient deficiencies you might have. In addition, they can recommend appropriate tests and develop a personalized plan to address your nutritional needs.

Do you wake up anxious at 3 or 4 a.m. and can't fall back asleep? It could b the result of a blood sugar crash that causes your stress hormones to rise (hence the anxious awakening).

Hypoglycemia, a condition associated with low blood sugar levels, can sometimes cause insomnia in Hashimoto's patients. An individual suffering from hypoglycemia may feel restless and anxious. They may also have trouble falling or staying asleep. 



Blood sugar levels below normal can trigger the release of stress hormones, like adrenaline, which can interfere with sleep. 

Hashimoto's thyroiditis patients with low blood sugar require a multifaceted approach to treating the condition. 



If you have low blood sugar, here are some things you can try:

• Consume whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and fiber-rich foods.
• Monitor your carbohydrate intake to avoid blood sugar spikes and crashes.
• Avoid skipping meals to prevent blood sugar drops. Keeping glucose levels stable requires consistent eating. 
• Maintain blood sugar levels between meals by eating protein-rich snacks such as nuts, yogurt, or lean meats. 
• Consume less sugary foods to prevent rapid blood sugar fluctuations. 
  

After meals, do you feel like falling asleep, but at night is it difficult? Feeling like you've been run over by a truck in the morning but wide awake at bedtime? 

It is very common for people with Hashimoto's to experience high blood sugar issues. 



A high blood sugar level, a precursor to diabetes, may be causing your primary stress hormone, cortisol, to increase.

Falling asleep after meals, especially starchy meals, is a sign of high blood sugar. 

A comprehensive strategy is essential for people with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and high blood sugar issues. 

To regulate blood sugar levels, it is essential to: 

• Eat a balanced diet with whole foods, controlled portions, and low glycemic index choices. 
• Exercise regularly to improve insulin sensitivity and use relaxation techniques to manage stress. 
• Properly manage medications and get adequate sleep. Closely monitor thyroid function and blood sugar levels in collaboration with your healthcare provider. 



Although Hashimoto's does not directly cause high blood sugar, addressing thyroid health, metabolism, and insulin sensitivity may assist in regulating it. 

Inflammation plays a crucial role in Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Chronic inflammation results in the immune system attacking the thyroid gland.



Sleep patterns may be disrupted by this inflammation, causing insomnia. When inflammation flares up, it may affect neurotransmitters and hormones in sleep, making it difficult to fall or stay asleep. 

Hashimoto's requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the condition's autoimmune nature and its impact on thyroid function. 

Following are a few tips to address inflammation: 



• Eat whole, nutrient-dense foods rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. 
• Include fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains in your diet. 
• Reduce or eliminate processed foods, refined sugar, and trans fats. 
• The effects of chronic stress on inflammation can be exacerbated by a lack of stress management. Use relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and mindfulness to relax. 
  

Sleep can be significantly affected by hormonal imbalances. Anxiety and sleeplessness are common symptoms of low progesterone, a chronic stress symptom. 



In women, it has been shown that estrogen deficiency in perimenopause and menopause increases anxiety, insomnia, and sleep apnea. Low testosterone levels are associated with poor sleep and sleep apnea in men.

In addition to thyroid hormones, Hashimoto’s can affect other hormone systems in the body. An individualized approach that considers thyroid health, stress, lifestyle, and overall well-being is necessary to balance these hormones. 

Following are a few suggestions to help with balancing hormones: 

• Consider comprehensive hormone testing to assess imbalances beyond thyroid hormones. 
• Exercise regularly, consume minimal alcohol, and quit smoking. 
• Supplementation with vitamins might be helpful, but talk to your healthcare professional before adding supplements to your daily routine.
• Develop a personalized treatment plan with healthcare professionals specializing in endocrinology and integrative medicine. 
• Adjust your medications if there’s a potential interaction between the thyroid and other medicines you take.

Unmanaged Hashimoto's is characterized by an untreated or poorly managed autoimmune condition that leads to chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland. 

In this condition, the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid, causing reduced thyroid hormone production and hypothyroidism. 



Left untreated, Hashimoto's hypothyroidism may lead to more severe symptoms and complications, impacting the overall quality of life.

Working with a healthcare provider to diagnose and manage Hashimoto's hypothyroidism is crucial. 

It can be overwhelming to begin a health journey. You might not know where to start, but the team at HealthierU can partner with you to treat your Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism. 

Our holistic approach at HealthierU uses nutrition to reduce Hashimoto’s symptoms. 



To learn more, contact us today. 

HealthierU is your holistic companion on the journey to finding relief from Hashimoto's disease. Our comprehensive program empowers individuals with Hashimoto's to take control of their health. 

The team at HealthierU offers personalized guidance to address the root causes of Hashimoto's symptoms through: 

• Dietary strategies
• Stress management techniques; and 
• Lifestyle adjustments



Transform your relationship with Hashimoto's and unlock a healthier, more vibrant you. Start your journey to relief today with HealthierU.