Sleep quality significantly impacts your lab test results, as it plays a crucial role in regulating various biological processes. Below are some key biomarkers that can reflect the effects of sleep on your health:
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Blood sugar & metabolism – Sleep deprivation can increase Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), making it harder for the body to regulate blood sugar. Lack of sleep increases cortisol (the stress hormone), making it harder for the body to regulate blood sugar. Even in healthy individuals, lack of sleep can disrupt insulin sensitivity.
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Heart health – Poor sleep is linked to higher triglycerides and LDL ("bad" cholesterol), and lower HDL ("good" cholesterol), increasing the risk of heart disease. Since sleep is essential for lipid metabolism, disruptions can lead to fat buildup in the bloodstream.
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Stress & inflammation – Chronic sleep deprivation raises cortisol (the stress hormone) and C-reactive protein (CRP), both of which contribute to inflammation, weight gain, and metabolic dysfunction. Elevated inflammatory markers are associated with heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune conditions.
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Immune function – Poor sleep can weaken or overactivate the immune system, affecting the body's ability to fight infections:
- Short-term sleep deprivation → Higher WBC count, particularly neutrophils, due to increased inflammation and stress response.
- Chronic poor sleep → Lower WBC count, especially decreased lymphocytes, weakening immune defense and increasing infection risk.
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Liver & kidney function – Sleep disturbances can stress the liver, potentially leading to elevated ALT and AST, which may indicate inflammation or liver dysfunction.
- Hormonal balance - Testosterone production peaks during deep sleep—chronic sleep deprivation lowers testosterone levels, leading to fatigue, reduced muscle mass, and decreased libido. Elevated cortisol from poor sleep suppresses testosterone, further contributing to hormonal imbalances.
- Vitamin & mineral levels
- Poor sleep is linked to low magnesium levels, as sleep deprivation increases magnesium excretion, leading to muscle cramps, fatigue, and stress sensitivity.
- Vitamin D deficiency is associated with poor sleep quality—since vitamin D plays a role in immune function and inflammation control, low levels can worsen fatigue, immune dysfunction, and bone health.
- Ferritin (iron storage) levels may drop with sleep deprivation, especially in individuals with restless leg syndrome (RLS), which is linked to iron deficiency and disrupted sleep cycles. Alternatively, chronic inflammation from poor sleep can raise ferritin levels, as ferritin acts as an acute-phase reactant, meaning it increases in response to stress or infection.
While sleep quality can influence lab results, abnormal biomarkers don’t necessarily mean poor sleep is the root cause. If your results fall outside normal ranges, multiple factors should be considered.
For a deeper understanding of your lab results, Welle PLUS members can discuss their reports with your clinician during a telehealth visit, while Welle STANDARD members can wait for your customized health plan to gain personalized insights and recommendations.