Why does hypothyroidism often cause excessive sleepiness?
Jul 30, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Chuanjia
Introduction
Hypothyroidism usually refers to decreased thyroid function. In general, hypothyroidism may easily cause drowsiness, which can be caused by factors such as reduced basal metabolic rate, neurotransmitter imbalance, insufficient thyroid hormone secretion, concurrent anemia, or concurrent sleep apnea syndrome. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely diagnosis and treatment at a reputable hospital.
Hypothyroidism typically refers to hypothyroidism. Generally, excessive sleepiness caused by hypothyroidism may be due to several factors, including reduced basal metabolic rate, neurotransmitter imbalance, insufficient thyroid hormone secretion, concurrent anemia, or concurrent sleep apnea syndrome. If experiencing discomfort, it is recommended to seek timely treatment at a reputable hospital. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Reduced Basal Metabolic Rate
Decreased thyroid hormone secretion reduces the body's basal metabolic rate, leading to inadequate cellular energy production, and the body tends to be in a state of fatigue, which may cause excessive sleepiness. At this stage, increasing daily physical activity appropriately, such as walking, jogging, or cycling, can help enhance metabolism through exercise.
2. Neurotransmitter Imbalance
Hypothyroidism may affect the balance of brain neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which are related to wakefulness. An imbalance may lead to excessive sleepiness. Consuming a diverse diet, including nuts, deep-sea fish, and bananas, can provide raw materials for neurotransmitter synthesis.
3. Insufficient Thyroid Hormine Secretion
Hypothyroidism directly leads to insufficient thyroid hormone secretion, causing reduced function across bodily systems, decreased oxygen and energy supply to the brain, and subsequent excessive sleepiness. Under a doctor's guidance, use levothyroxine sodium tablets, thyroid tablets, and other medications to supplement thyroid hormones, maintaining normal body function.
4. Concurrent Anemia
Hypothyroidism may affect hematopoietic function, leading to reduced red blood cell production and decreased blood oxygen-carrying capacity, causing cerebral hypoxia and resulting in excessive sleepiness. Symptoms often include pallor and fatigue. Under a doctor's guidance, take ferrous fumarate tablets, ferrous succinate tablets, vitamin B12 tablets, and other medications to improve anemia. Additionally, consume iron-rich foods like animal liver and lean meat.
5. Concurrent Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Some patients with hypothyroidism may have narrowed airways due to factors such as neck mucosal edema, leading to sleep apnea syndrome, poor sleep quality at night, and daytime sleepiness. Under a doctor's guidance, use continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. When necessary, medications such as montelukast sodium tablets, budesonide formoterol powder inhaler, and salbutamol aerosol may be used to improve airway ventilation. Weight control is also important to avoid obesity worsening symptoms.
In daily life, ensure good ventilation in the bedroom and create a favorable sleep environment; engage in moderate outdoor activities during the day and receive sunlight exposure; regularly monitor thyroid function and related indicators, adjusting treatment plans according to disease progression.
