Sleep on TRT

[msyntakz]

So, according to my Apple Watch tracking, pre-TRT, I was averaging 9-9.5 hours of sleep per night, and that was extremely consistent. Hard to get to sleep, but once I was, I could stay asleep, and when I woke up, I felt like I could just go right back. This past week, I have been around 6.5-6.75 hours. Easier to get asleep, but if I wake up at say 6:30-7 am, that's it, I'm awake. Normally, I would see that time, and just push it off and go back to sleep till like 9 or later. Not happening this week.

Also, I could ALWAYS nap daily if I wanted. Again, not the case this week. My energy does feel generally better and more stable throughout the day, and a general sense of energy, kind of like a cup of coffee that just lasts. I just get worried seeing sleeping hours under 7 consistently.

What has been your experience with sleep on this stuff? Is it generally just a reduced need for quantity because of better quality, or is there some stimulant effect in the beginning from the sudden change that will level off?

I have two weeks' worth of dosing done as of today. These are the main changes I have noticed, and just this week.

 

[woundcarping]

I haven’t noticed any effects on sleep.

I forget how old you are but 9 hours of sleep is a lot, nothing wrong with that but a lot. I’ve needed ~7 hours for years and Oura’ data from this year also supports that.

If you feel fine, it doesn’t sound like an issue to me.

Personally I’m working on my sleep, it’s not bad but it’s a bit less than optimal.

 

[JimGainz]

Welcome to the honeymoon phase of TRT. I had the same experience starting off at just 70mg/week. The first month, I felt the kick and it was especially strong during the first two weeks. Everyone is different, but I can't imagine how men who use 200mg T straight out of the gate manage the honeymoon phase (I.e. your body is still producing T while you are adding exogenous on top). Falling asleep fast and waking up early was, and actually still is, my experience but I actually have energy, motivation and libido akin to my early 30s.

 

[msyntakz]

I haven’t noticed any effects on sleep.

I forget how old you are but 9 hours of sleep is a lot, nothing wrong with that but a lot. I’ve needed ~7 hours for years and Oura’ data from this year also supports that.

If you feel fine, it doesn’t sound like an issue to me.

Personally I’m working on my sleep, it’s not bad but it’s a bit less than optimal.

37, and yeah I figured I was previously at the upper limit of what was healthy for sleep per night. Just trying to make sure I don't regress to unhealthy in the other direction. I have always had a tendency to undersleep (under 6 hours) versus oversleep. The longer sleeping has only been the last couple of years.

Also, I probably have a little excess fear as I've had manic episodes in the past (10 years back) that kept me awake for just shy of a week at a time. The hallucinations and overall sense of dread left a mark haha

 

[TacoLifter420]

My sleep is vastly improved, but it think it more a result of losing 70 pounds and no longer having sleep apnea.

Ive been monitoring with my Samsung watch for a few years, pre and post trt.

I get 7.5 to 8 hours a night, waking rested and ready to go.

Currently on 180mg of test c per week.

 

[Vriende]

Also, I probably have a little excess fear as I've had manic episodes in the past (10 years back) that kept me awake for just shy of a week at a time.

It sounds like you developed some healthy insights back in those days. Sleep is one of the best cushions against mania slipping out of control.

Bipolar disorder and related mood conditions are typically considered chronic, and the potential for episodes to recur remains, (especially if triggered by stress, medication changes, sleep disruptions, or other factors). The risk of recurrence can decrease over time with stability, but that doesn't mean it has entirely disappeared.

Be cautious on your TRT dosing, and keep monitoring yourself in regards to other symptoms you know could be warning signs of an episode getting triggered. Good on you for watching closely!

Do you have a friend, prescriber or family person you could enlist to help you monitor yourself for mood changes and give you feedback on any other changes?

 

[msyntakz]

Do you have a friend, prescriber or family person you could enlist to help you monitor yourself for mood changes and give you feedback on any other changes?

I do have family members who are good at watching my behaviors if they seem off. It is frustrating that our own frame of reference becomes distorted, especially in the case of mania, and it's difficult to gauge properly. So, I really have learned not to trust my internal feelings on the matter, and monitor things like sleep... a metric that can be tracked. Thus, my sensitivity to the changes I've recently had, and wanting to do a sanity check on other people's experiences.

 

[JimGainz]

If you want to check your experiences against others on TRT, look no further than the ExcelMale forum. Anyone considering or already on TRT for physical and/or mental health needs should spend a lot of time reading and interacting there.

 

[msyntakz]

If you want to check your experiences against others on TRT, look no further than the ExcelMale forum. Anyone considering or already on TRT for physical and/or mental health needs should spend a lot of time reading and interacting there.

Ok, cool, I wasn't sure the best specific place to go for that, and I have come to really enjoy/trust the crew here. I will have a look over there and diversify a bit. Appreciate the recommendation.

 

[Bastogne22]

I have PTSD and severe sleep apnea. I have slept like sh*t for years. 4-5 hours a night. Fighting that d*mn CPAP mask and hose, being exhausted all day long. I started TRT about 7 weeks ago and it has been the best sleep I've had in years. I'm 6-7 hours a night and can tell a huge difference in feeling rested each morning.

 

[Smiter]

I think I woke up 30mins ago...yawn... since site went down... I took 2 of the Hypnos capsules last night... For the first time in ages, I slept more than 6 hours.😴🥱😴🥱

 

[msyntakz]

I have PTSD and severe sleep apnea. I have slept like sh*t for years. 4-5 hours a night. Fighting that d*mn CPAP mask and hose, being exhausted all day long. I started TRT about 7 weeks ago and it has been the best sleep I've had in years. I'm 6-7 hours a night and can tell a huge difference in feeling rested each morning.

I did reply to this previously, but I'm guessing the site maintenance wiped it.

That's great to hear about your great increase in sleep! Going from poor sleep to good sleep can be life-changing. 7 hours seems to be my new normal as well, but more rested feeling than I was at 9. I'll take that.

Happy for you!

 

[Pep_Hobbyist]

I wish I could sleep for 9 hours!

I felt exactly the same when I started on TRT. first few weeks I was wired. I also take Ipa/Tesa and it helps me sleep like a baby. I do average 4-6 hours of sleep tho. I'm pushing myself to sleep 6-7 hours.