Staying up late watching movies could make men infertile, new study finds

A recent study has revealed that staying up late to watch movies or catch up on emails might impact men’s sperm count, potentially reducing their chances of fathering children.

Men seeking to increase their chances of impregnating their partners may find it beneficial to go to bed before 10:30 pm, according to the study. It further indicated that men with an early bedtime are nearly four times more likely to have high-quality sperm.

The research highlights the potential consequences of sleep deprivation, as it can trigger an overactive immune system that attacks sperm. Additionally, going to bed too late may limit the time available for couples to engage in sexual activity.

Participants in the study were surveyed about their bedtime habits over the past month. Those who went to bed before 10:30 pm were almost four times more likely to exhibit normal sperm compared to those whose bedtime was 11:30 pm or later.

Professor Hans Jakob Ingerslev, a co-author of the study from Aarhus University, noted the importance of early bedtime for men trying to conceive, suggesting that it could contribute to improved sleep, possibly reducing stress-related impacts on fertility.

Dr. Raj Mathur, a consultant gynecologist at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, emphasized the study’s implication that men aiming to father children should prioritize early bedtimes and adequate sleep. He suggested reassessing habits that keep them up late, such as binge-watching Netflix or handling emails. Going to bed earlier with their partners might also enhance opportunities for intimacy, thereby improving their chances of success.

The research found that men going to bed before 10:30 pm were 2.75 times more likely to have normal sperm compared to those going to bed between 11 pm and 11:29 pm. Furthermore, men who slept for seven-and-a-half to eight hours more frequently had normal sperm, making them six times more likely to possess high-quality sperm than those with less than seven hours of sleep on average.

Dr. Christopher Barratt, a professor of reproductive medicine at the University of Dundee, acknowledged the sensible advice of encouraging men trying to conceive to get more sleep, emphasizing the potential negative impact of insufficient sleep on metabolism and, consequently, sperm quality.

“It is pretty basic advice but a lack of sleep is closely tied to feeling stressed and stressed men are also less likely to have sex once a day, as we recommend when trying for a baby.”