Understanding sleep and men's health

Why sleep matters more than men think

Sleep isn't downtime — it's when your body repairs, regulates hormones, and consolidates memory. Chronic poor sleep is linked to higher risk of heart disease, weight gain, low mood, reduced concentration, and even hormonal changes. For men's health specifically, sleep is one of the most important — and most overlooked — foundations.

How much is enough?

Most adults need around seven to nine hours a night. The right amount for you is the one that lets you wake feeling rested and function well through the day. Consistently needing much more or much less, or feeling exhausted despite "enough" sleep, is worth looking into.

Common things that disrupt sleep

• Irregular sleep and wake times
• Screens and bright light late at night
• Caffeine or alcohol close to bedtime
• Untreated stress, anxiety or low mood
• An undiagnosed sleep disorder, such as obstructive sleep apnoea

Sleep apnoea in men

Obstructive sleep apnoea — where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep — is common in men, especially those who are above a healthy weight or who snore loudly. It often goes undiagnosed but can cause severe daytime tiredness and raise cardiovascular risk. Symptoms include loud snoring, witnessed pauses in breathing, waking unrefreshed, and morning headaches. If any of that sounds familiar, it's worth a proper assessment.

Simple habits that help

• Keep a consistent sleep and wake time, even on weekends.
• Get morning daylight to set your body clock.
• Avoid screens, heavy meals, and alcohol in the hour before bed.
• Keep your bedroom cool, dark and quiet.

When to see a doctor

If you've had poor sleep for more than a few weeks, if you snore loudly or have been told you stop breathing in your sleep, or if you're persistently exhausted despite enough hours in bed, speak to a doctor. Sleep problems are very treatable — but only once they're properly understood.