New research might make some men search for sounder sleep – a study showed that men with disturbed or poor sleep have a reduced sperm count compared to  men who reported restful sleep.

This study, the first of its kind, was completed in Denmark and looked at almost 1,000 young men. The men answered a questionnaire about their sleep habits and disturbances and underwent physical examination. The researchers found that the men who reported high levels of sleep disturbances had a lower sperm count and a lower number of morphologically normal sperm. Future studies will attempt to discover whether treating the sleeping problems resolves the physical issues.

Sleep hygiene is an important part of getting a good night’s sleep. Before sleep you should avoid alcohol or caffeine, put down electronic devices (the blue light emitted from screens has been shown to affect sleep quality), and avoid exercising late in the evening. The bedroom should be kept cool and dark.

Disrupted sleep and sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea have been linked to large numbers of health problems. Screening for obstructive sleep apnea and treatment for snoring and sleep apnea  is available by contacting Columbus, sleep apnea dentist Dr. Mark Levy at 614-476-6696.