Always wake up early? It could be a sign of hidden condition that ‘destroys libido and triggers heart failure'
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IT'S not uncommon to occasionally find yourself staring at the clock at 4am.
But waking up too early can be a sign of something more serious going on with your health.
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If you find yourself always waking up early, it could be a sign of hyperthyroidism
Credit: Getty
Nearly a third (32 per cent) of British adults battle this sleep problem almost or every single night, according to a new poll.
And younger Millennials and older Gen Z - aged 25 to 34 - are the worst affected, with 37 per cent facing frustrating nightly wake-ups that leave them tossing and turning, according to Simba's findings.
While most nighttime awakenings aren't a cause for serious concern, Lisa Artis, deputy CEO of The Sleep Charity, warns this common sleep habit could be a sign of an overactive thyroid, also known as hyperthyroidism.
Tucked away in your neck is a small but powerful butterfly-shaped gland called the thyroid.
It makes thyroid hormones - T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine) - which help control your metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, and energy levels.
When the thyroid malfunctions, it can become underactive - known as hypothyroidism or overactive - known as hyperthyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism is more likely to cause you to wake up early during the night.
This is because excess thyroid hormones can speed up your metabolism and stimulate your nervous system, leading to symptoms like anxiety, rapid heart rate, and restlessness.
It can also increase cortisol levels (the stress hormone), which may cause you to wake up earlier than usual, especially in the morning.
'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.' explains Artis.
The dangerous hidden thyroid health conditions affecting millions - symptoms and treatment
According to Dr Gaurav Agarwal, Consultant Physician and Endocrinologist, Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells Hospital, waking up early can be one of the earliest signs of hyperthyroidism.
He added: "Hyperthyroidism is relatively common in the UK. The most common cause is Graves' disease - an autoimmune condition - with smoking being one of the biggest risk factors.
"It's seen more commonly in women than men, usually between the ages of 20 to 40."
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The thyroid is a small but powerful butterfly-shaped gland in the neck
Credit: Getty
Other symptoms of hyperthyroidism, says Dr Agarwal, include:
Hyperactivity and restlessness
Feeling tired all the time
Increased thirst
Feeling excessively hot
Mood wings
Overactive bowels and bladder
Muscle weakness
Itchy skin
Frequent and/or lighter periods in woman
Reduced sexual desire
Dr Agarwal added: "One may notice their hair thinning, dry eyes, flushed palms, palpitations, swelling in the front of the neck, unintended weight loss as well as tremors."
It's advisable to seek help early, so the correct diagnosis can be made and treatment started immediately, leading to quicker resolution of symptoms and restoration of health and well-being.
Long-term hyperthyroidism, if left untreated, can have serious health consequences, warned Dr Agarwal.
He advised: "Weakening of bones (osteoporosis), irregular heart beat (atrial fibrillation) and even a heart failure can occur.
"It may even lead to complications in pregnancy."
Hyperthyroidism is diagnosed through a combination of a physical exam, a detailed medical history, and blood tests.
If you think you're experiencing any of the symptoms, see your GP.
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