Insufficient Sleep Linked to Higher Risk of Type 2 Diabetes, Study Finds
Getting a good night’s sleep is not only important for feeling refreshed and energized the next day, but it may also play a crucial role in reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. A new study published in the journal JAMA Network Open has found that people who sleep less than six hours per day have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life compared to those who get seven to eight hours of sleep.
The study, conducted by researchers at Uppsala University in Sweden, aimed to investigate whether individuals who sleep too little can reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by adopting healthy dietary habits. “Previous research has shown that insufficient rest on a daily basis increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, while healthy dietary habits such as regularly eating fruit and vegetables can reduce the risk,” says Dr. Diana Nôga, the first author of the study.
The researchers analyzed data from nearly 247,900 participants who were part of the UK Biobank study. These individuals, aged between 40 and 69, had been followed for at least 10 years. At the beginning of the study, participants provided information about their dietary habits and the number of hours they slept each day. The criteria for a healthy diet included consuming two or more pieces of fruit daily, two or more servings of fish weekly, or four or more tablespoons of vegetables per day.
The results showed that individuals who slept less than six hours daily were nearly twice as likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to those who slept a normal amount. Even for those who followed a healthy diet, their eating habits did not offset the effects of insufficient sleep on diabetes risk. “This is another study that shows while genetics play a role in the development of chronic diseases such as diabetes, lifestyle factors matter a lot, too,” says Dr. Leana Wen, a CNN wellness contributor and professor of health policy and management.
It is important to note that the study’s findings confirm a link between poor sleep and diabetes, but not a cause-and-effect relationship. Further research, including randomized trials, would be needed to establish a causal relationship. However, there is already evidence suggesting that short sleep influences appetite regulation and leads to overconsumption of calories.
Sleep is also linked to glucose metabolism, which is involved in the cause of type 2 diabetes. Therefore, getting enough rest is crucial for maintaining proper glucose regulation in the body. Establishing consistent sleep and wake times, creating a dark and quiet sleep environment, and engaging in a wind-down ritual before bed can all contribute to better sleep quality.
In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of sufficient sleep in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. While genetics may play a role, lifestyle factors such as sleep duration and dietary habits are also significant contributors. So, if you want to lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, it’s time to prioritize your sleep and make it a priority in your daily routine.