Our lifestyle can impact fertility, and by breaking your bad habits, you may be able to boost your chances for natural pregnancy or fertility treatment success. Think you already live a fertility friendly life? Take this quiz first and find out!
The Bad Habit to Break to Increase Fertility:
Staying up late and not getting enough sleep.
Why It's Bad for Your Fertility Health:
Some research studies have found a connection between poor sleep habits and irregular periods, and irregular periods can be a symptom of infertility. Also, a small study found an increase in miscarriage rates among nurses who worked the night shift.
Poor sleep habits may also lead to weight problems, both in men and women. Being even slightly over your healthy weight range can lead to fertility problems for women, and obesity has been connected to less healthy sperm in men.
What to Do About It:
People stay up late for all kinds of reasons, and figuring out why you want to stay up late can help you break the habit.
Is it because of a favorite television show? Maybe record it and watch it during an earlier hour. Is it because you're craving quiet alone time? Waking up earlier in the morning may be a healthier choice. Trying to stuff too many activities into your days? Maybe it's time to cut back and put your health first.
Of course, staying up late not because it's habit, but because you can't sleep, is something different. Insomnia can be a sign of depression. Mind-body therapies for stress reduction, counseling, and creating a comforting bedtime routine all may help you get better sleep.
