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If you find yourself regularly waking up far earlier than intended, it might be more than just a bad sleep habit—it could signal a more serious health concern. According to sleep expert Lisa Artis, persistently waking up “too early” may point to a thyroid disorder, which affects around 20 million Americans.
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck that produces hormones like T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). These hormones are essential for regulating metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, and energy levels. When the thyroid malfunctions, it can become either underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive (hyperthyroidism)—both of which can significantly impact sleep.
Lisa Artis, deputy CEO of The Sleep Charity, in partnership with Simba, explained, “Waking up too early can point to an under or over active thyroid.” This is because thyroid hormones are vital in maintaining the circadian rhythm—the internal body clock that manages the sleep-wake cycle. Disruptions in hormone levels can throw this cycle off balance, leading to restless nights and early waking.
Hyperthyroidism can cause more noticeable sleep disturbances. It speeds up metabolism, often resulting in insomnia, night sweats, anxiety, a racing heart, and an overall “wired but tired” feeling. Excess thyroid hormone also elevates cortisol—the stress hormone that helps you wake up—which can become imbalanced and lead to waking too early.
“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,” Lisa said.
On the other hand, hypothyroidism can lead to extreme fatigue, excessive sleepiness, and sleep apnea due to a slower metabolism. It tends to cause people to feel tired even after a full night’s rest.
“What distinguishes waking early from thyroid issues from occasional bouts of early morning waking is the presence of other symptoms,” Lisa added, citing “persistent fatigue, unexplained weight gain or loss, and feeling excessively cold or overheating.”
Other red flags may include brain fog, irregular periods, dry skin, muscle aches, and appetite changes. Since these symptoms can be vague and develop slowly, thyroid issues often go undiagnosed.
If you’re consistently waking up too early and noticing other unusual symptoms, it’s best to consult a doctor. A simple blood test can often determine if your thyroid is the root cause.
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