Experts warn that consistently waking up to an alarm clock may be a sign of a serious hormonal disorder that can lead to life-threatening heart problems.
This condition is known as hyperthyroidism, characterized by an overactive thyroid gland that produces excessive hormones. It affects about one in every hundred people worldwide.
Experts on Hyperthyroidism
According to Dr. Gaurav Agarwal, a leading British specialist in hormonal disorders, early awakenings are often the first indication of this disease, as the hormone surplus stimulates the nervous system during the early morning hours.
If left untreated, this condition can lead to numerous unpleasant consequences, such as thinning hair, dry eyes, neck swelling, anxiety, and weight loss. Particularly concerning are life-threatening complications like weakened bones and irregular heartbeats, which can result in fatal heart failure.
Dr. Agarwal notes that this condition is quite common, yet many people fail to recognize its early signs.
“This disease is more prevalent in women than in men,” the expert cautioned. Those at risk are individuals aged 20 to 40. He stated that pregnant women with hyperthyroidism should seek treatment promptly, as the condition increases the risk of miscarriage and premature birth.
Sleep specialist Lisa Artis, deputy director of the British charity The Sleep Charity, remarked, “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 known as Graves’ disease. This occurs when an excess of “fighting” proteins prompts the thyroid gland to produce too many hormones. Graves’ disease can also lead to vision problems, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Genetic predisposition and unhealthy 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.