Emphasizing the Role of Stress Management, Adequate Sleep, and Physical Activity in Promoting Men’s Health from an HSE Perspective

News Code: 97513 | June 10, 2026

Within the framework of Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) approaches and with the aim of promoting the health of the workforce and society, health experts have warned about the consequences of three major lifestyle factors: chronic stress, insufficient sleep, and physical inactivity. These factors can disrupt the balance of vital body systems and, over time, contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, metabolic conditions, and reproductive health problems in men.

According to the Labor Health and Safety Supporters News Agency, citing the Ministry of Health and Medical Education (Webda), Dr. Shima Mehrabadi, a physiologist, postdoctoral researcher in gastrointestinal cancers, and faculty member at Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, discussed the issue in an interview marking International Men’s Health Week. She emphasized that men’s health is not merely defined by the absence of disease, but by the body’s ability to cope with physical and psychological stressors while maintaining hormonal balance and the proper functioning of vital systems.

Referring to the role of stress in hormonal disorders, she stated that prolonged exposure to psychological pressure keeps the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis continuously activated, resulting in elevated levels of the hormone cortisol. Chronic elevation of cortisol not only increases blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular disease, but also reduces the production of testosterone. Testosterone is not only a reproductive hormone; it also plays a critical role in maintaining energy levels, muscle strength, mental focus, mood, and overall health in men. Reduced levels can therefore negatively affect both physical and psychological performance.

The faculty member of Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences also addressed the impact of chronic stress on male fertility. She explained that many individuals consider stress merely a psychological issue, while long-term stress can increase cortisol levels and create oxidative stress in the body, disrupting sperm production and damaging sperm DNA. As a result, sperm count, motility, and quality may decline—an issue that often becomes evident when couples face infertility problems.

Dr. Mehrabadi further highlighted the role of increased body fat, particularly abdominal fat, in metabolic disorders. She noted that visceral fat is a metabolically active tissue that continuously produces inflammatory substances. This process can reduce insulin sensitivity and increase the risk of diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease. Additionally, the conversion of testosterone into estrogen within fatty tissue can disrupt hormonal balance in men.

She described adequate and high-quality sleep as one of the fundamental pillars of health, explaining that during sleep essential processes such as tissue repair, hormonal regulation, memory consolidation, and immune system restoration take place. Sleep deprivation or poor-quality sleep can elevate cortisol levels, reduce testosterone, weaken the immune system, and lead to fatigue and reduced concentration.

Emphasizing the importance of regular physical activity, Dr. Mehrabadi noted that exercise—especially resistance and strength training—is among the most effective physiological tools for maintaining men’s health. Regular physical activity helps preserve muscle mass, improve physical capacity, enhance insulin sensitivity, reduce chronic inflammation, and support proper hormonal function. It can also mitigate many of the negative effects associated with stress and sedentary lifestyles.

She also pointed to warning signs that men should pay attention to, stating that persistent fatigue, reduced concentration, decreased physical performance, sleep disturbances, loss of motivation, and changes in sexual function should not simply be attributed to aging or daily pressures. These symptoms may indicate imbalances in hormonal, neurological, or metabolic systems, and early medical consultation can help prevent more serious complications.

In conclusion, Dr. Mehrabadi emphasized the importance of a preventive approach to men’s health. She stated that promoting men’s health largely depends on lifestyle modification. Adequate sleep, regular physical activity, effective stress management, healthy nutrition, and attention to the body’s warning signs are among the key factors in maintaining health. Observing these principles not only reduces the risk of chronic diseases but also improves productivity, quality of life, and the overall health of the workforce in occupational settings.