Background: Obesity in men is also shown to be associated with reduced reproductive potential, and this particular subtype was described as male obesity-associated secondary hypogonadism (MOSH). Recent studies showing the influence of sleep disorders on testosterone levels suggested a potential role of sleep disorders in determining the development of MOSH.
Objectives: To assess the association between night-time sleep duration and day napping and the prevalence of MOSH.
Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, 226 obese male participants aged 18-30 years were enrolled. Daytime napping and night-time sleep duration data were collected using a standardized self-reported Chinese-language questionnaire. MOSH was defined as obese men (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 ) with hypogonadal symptoms and decreased total testosterone level and/or free testosterone level, excluding other causes of hypogonadism.
Results: The overall prevalence of MOSH was 48.2% in this study. An inverse association was observed between night sleep duration and the risk of prevalent MOSH. Men who reported fewer than 6 h of night-time sleep had reduced total testosterone and free testosterone levels and an increased risk of MOSH. Further regression analysis revealed that after adjustment for potential confounders, the odds ratio of MOSH for the short night-time sleep group (<6 h vs. 6-8 h) was 6.17 (p = 0.040). No significant association was observed between day napping status and prevalence of MOSH.
Discussion and conclusion: Short night sleep duration was associated with an increased risk of MOSH in the young obese Chinese population. Chronic sleep curtailment has a negative effect on obese men's health in terms of hypogonadism.
Keywords: MOSH; male hypogonadism; napping; obesity; sleep; testosterone.
© 2021 American Society of Andrology and European Academy of Andrology.