Is there a link between reduced sleep in men and difficulties in achieving pregnancy?

This study investigated if sleep duration in men can affect the chance of achieving pregnancy. They found that couples with men that slept less than 6 hours were less likely to achieve pregnancy.

Sleep is important for healthy living. Lack of sleep is associated with obesity, heart disease, and death. In the last few decades, average sleep duration has decreased in men. This coincides with declining sperm counts in men. 

Some studies show that adequate sleep is critical for male sexual behavior. Poor sleep quality reduces testosterone levels and may reduce sperm count and quality. However, it is unclear if sleep duration in men has any effect on achieving pregnancy.

This study included 1,176 couples trying to become pregnant. Male sleep duration was recorded at the beginning of the study and every 8 weeks for up to 12 months or until a pregnancy was achieved.

Less than 6 hours of sleep per night was associated with a 38% reduction in pregnancy frequency compared to 8 hours sleep. Sleeping more than 9 hours per night was also associated with a 27% lower chance of achieving pregnancy. These results were similar in men with night work schedules and men with no history of infertility. Men that sleep less than 6 hours who had previously fathered a child were 54% less likely to achieve pregnancy that those who slept 8 hours per night.

This study concluded that couples with men that slept less than 6 hours were less likely to achieve pregnancy.

This study did not measure other factors that may be linked to sleep duration and fertility. These factors include frequency of coitus (sex) and reason(s) for sleep duration or disturbance. Additional research is needed to determine the role of sleep in fertility health.

If you have any concerns regarding sleep, fertility and overall health please discuss this with your doctor.