Waking up too early could be sign of serious health condition, says sleep expert

Experts have warned waking up too early could be a sign of a potential health problem. Getting enough sleep each night can be tricky even at full health, and those who often find themselves staring at the clock in the early hours of the morning aren’t alone. A recent poll commissioned by sleep technology firm Simba, conducted on 2,000 adults, found nearly a third of people struggle to stay asleep almost or every night.

Lisa Artis, deputy CEO of the Sleep Charity - Simba’s charity partner - warns this common sleep habit could be a sign of a more serious health condition. “Waking up too early can point to an under or over active thyroid,” Artis explained.

The thyroid is a small gland located in the neck which makes the thyroid hormones that are responsible for helping to control your metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, and energy levels. According to the British Thyroid Foundation, it “even influences how we think and feel”.

It can become underactive, resulting in hypothyroidism, or overactive, leading to hyperthyroidism. Both conditions can greatly affect your sleep.

On social media, there’s multiple video explainers from experts and those living with a malfunctioning thyroid, offering insight into what it’s really like.

If you’re struggling to fall asleep, or to stay asleep, hyperthyroidism - an overactive thyroid - is usually the cause. If you’re often feeling fatigued, hypothyroidism - an underactive thyroid - is typically more likely to be at fault.

Simba’s research found that 18% feel fatigued all the time. Thyroid hormones play a key role in maintaining the circadian rhythm, which regulates the sleep-wake cycle. Incorrect hormone levels can disrupt this rhythm, leading to early morning waking.

Artis said: “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.

“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 weight loss, and feeling excessively cold or overheating.”

The expert continued: “Other symptoms can include irregular periods, brain fog, muscle aches, dry skin, and changes in appetite.”

Thyroid symptoms usually develop gradually and slowly over time. They can be difficult to identify due to overlapping with other conditions, “which can make it difficult to diagnose”.

If you suspect you’re experiencing issues with your thyroid, it’s important to book an appointment with your GP and get a blood test as soon as possible.

Artis added: “A simple blood test can easily detect thyroid issues, so if you’re experiencing these signs, it’s worth consulting a doctor to rule out an under or over active thyroid.”

Thyroid problems are treatable while some small lifestyle changes can help make a significant difference in managing the condition.

A regular and consistent sleep schedule, regular exercise and eating your recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables each day can all help minimise the ramifications felt by thyroid problems.

It’s important to take note of any changes in the way you feel. Lisa Artis explained: “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."