Do sleep disturbances cause disease?

Do sleep disturbances cause disease?

Serious medical and psychological disease have been found with sleep deprivation. Sleep quality can be a tool for assessment of disease.

Certain sleep disorders are common in many endocrine diseases.

Excess growth hormone can cause sleep apnea,Excessive androgens can worsen OSA (Obstructive sleep apnea), as can hypothyroidism.

Similarly, thyroid disorders can contribute to debilitating insomnia(sleeplessness), with profound daytime fatigue. Disruptive sleep is now associated with increased risk for diabetes and obesity.

Mood changes associated with sleep deprivation

Irritability
Problems with relationships, especially for children and teenagers
Depression
Anxiety

Physical health changes associated with sleep deprivation

High blood pressure
Heart disease
Stroke
Kidney disease
Obesity
Type 2 diabetes

How sleep decides hormone release?

The secretion of some hormones increases during sleep (e.g., growth hormone, prolactin, and luteinizing hormone), while the secretion of other hormones is inhibited (e.g., thyroid stimulating hormone and cortisol). 

Some hormones are tied directly to a particularly sleep stage. Growth hormone is typically secreted in the first few hours after the onset of sleep and generally is released during slow-wave sleep (SWS). 

Cortisol is tied to the circadian rhythm, and peaks in late afternoon, regardless of the person’s sleep status. Melatonin is released in the dark and is suppressed by light. Thyroid hormone secretion occurs in the late evening.