Sleep or Hypo Thyroidism

[MET60]

I am 46 WM, I have been waking some mornings fatigued and feel like I have been working out with my upper body all night, upper body is usually soaked in sweat.  This has been going on for about 2-3 years and has increased in frequency.  I went to the doctor and was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and started on synthroid about 10 days ago.  It has helped with my overall mood and I am a little less fatigued.  I am still waking up about once a week with the sweating and fatigue.  I also am having some joint pain mostly shoulder, wrists and hip when driving.  I am going for a sleep test.  
I am wondering if all is related to the Hypothyroidism, or is the upperbody fatique and sweating part of the sleep apnea?

[Kamal S Saini, MD, MRCP (UK), DM]

Great to hear that you are feeling better.

The polysomnography (sleep test) should help further clarify your diagnosis.

[MET60]

Thankyou for the information.  I am not as tired all the time since I started on the synthroid, but I still have occasional uperbody Fatigue and sweating some mornings, which I think fits with the sleep apnea.  I was not sure it the sweating could be related to the hypothyroidism or if the hypothyroidism could have some of the same symptoms as the sleep apnea. Thanks again fo the information.

[Kamal S Saini, MD, MRCP (UK), DM]

Sleep apnea is the intermittent stoppage of breathing during sleep. It is seen in about 2 percent of middle aged women. The occurance in middle aged men is about double of this. Obesity, snoring, enlarged tonsils, alcohol etc are associated with sleep apnea.

Hypothyroidism has a well-recognized association with sleep apnea. It may also produce feeling of fatigue and lethargy.

Sweating may result from repeated nocturnal episodes of sleep apnea; however, sweating is not a common symptom of hypothyroidism.