Consistently waking up too early could be a sign of a serious hormonal disorder that increases the risk of life-threatening heart problems.
This condition is called hyperthyroidism, which means the thyroid gland is overactive and produces too many hormones. It affects about one in every hundred people worldwide.
Experts on Hyperthyroidism
Dr. Gaurav Agarwal, a British specialist in hormonal disorders, says early awakenings are often the first sign of the disease, since excess thyroid hormones can overstimulate the nervous system in the early morning hours.
If left untreated, hyperthyroidism can cause thinning hair, dry eyes, neck swelling, anxiety, and weight loss. More serious complications include weakened bones and irregular heartbeats, which can lead to heart failure.
Dr. Agarwal says the condition is fairly common, yet many people miss its early signs.
‘This disease is more prevalent in women than in men,’ the expert cautioned. It most often affects people aged 20 to 40. He added that pregnant women with hyperthyroidism should seek treatment promptly, because the condition raises the risk of miscarriage and premature birth.
Sleep specialist Lisa Artis, deputy director of the British charity The Sleep Charity, said, ‘If your thyroid gland is overactive, your stress response may be unbalanced, causing you to wake up too early and feel anxious.’
Researchers have found that one of the most common causes of hyperthyroidism is an autoimmune disorder called Graves’ disease. Graves’ disease occurs when excess antibodies prompt the thyroid gland to produce too many hormones. Graves’ disease can also cause vision problems, the Daily Mail reports.
Genetic predisposition and lifestyle factors such as smoking can increase the risk of developing Graves’ disease. However, it is most frequently seen in women over the age of 30.
