The Effects of Long Term Sleep and Exercise Deprivation on Total Serum Testosterone in Male Professional Drivers

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to find out the effects of long term sleep deprivation and lack of exercise on total serum testosterone level and their consequences in male professional drivers.

This study was conducted at Mingora and Timergara in District Swat and District Dir respectively, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Blood samples were taken from 50 sleep deprived sluggish drivers and from 50 normal people of the same locality. A standard format questionnaire was designed regarding their age, marital status, number of children, mating frequency, duration and timing of sleep and habit of exercise. Bio-check (USA) kit was used according to the manufacturer protocol.

The mean and standard deviation of total serum testosterone in control was 650 ± 110 ng/dl (P < 0.0001), and in drivers was 410 ± 33 ng/dl (P < 0.0001). Total serum testosterone level was significantly lower in sleep deprived and sluggish drivers as compared to control group. The ill effects like reduce sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, Absent morning erection, scare pubic hairs, decrease frequency for shaving, muscle weakness, fatigue, depression and poor memory were also reported from the drivers during blood sampling, but no such problems were found in the control group.

Sleep deprivation especially REM and lack of exercise has a negative effect on total serum testosterone level. This low testosterone level in turn produces ill effects both on sexual and general body health.