Compared to decades past, people around the globe are getting less sleep per day, according to experts. Lack of sleep can lead to fatigue, irritability, increased accidents, and poor mental performance. Research now suggests that too many sleepless nights might also have a direct impact on a person’s health. New studies have shown that chronic sleep loss, or sleep disruption, can increase a person’s risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
The incidence of obesity and type 2 diabetes (the most common type of diabetes) are increasing at alarming rates worldwide but particularly in the United States. Some researchers believe that, in addition to poor nutritional choices and a lack of physical activity, there must be other factors contributing to the epidemic. Sleep may be an important factor in the problem.
Recent studies have shown that people who are sleep-deprived have altered regulation of their body’s blood sugar (also known as glucose). One study found that three consecutive nights of interruption of deep sleep can negatively impact the body’s ability to regulate insulin, which is a key hormone that helps control blood sugar. In fact, the participants in the study were nearly 25% less sensitive to the effects of insulin when their sleep was interrupted compared to when their sleep was not disrupted. This resistance to insulin is a major risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes as opposed to type 1 diabetes, which is due to a lack of insulin in the body.
Deep Sleep Is the Key
A lack of deep sleep is more common as people age. A person might sleep for hours, but they are only in the slow-wave (or deep-sleep) mode for a certain amount of time. Interruption of that deep sleep may wreak havoc in the body. Chronic sleep loss can cause other hormonal imbalances in the body that contribute to the increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Specifically, lack of sleep can lead to increased appetite and less energy expenditure. Further research is needed to understand the full impact of sleep loss on our health.
A report from the Institute of Medicine suggests that 50 to 70 million adults suffer from sleep disorders, which affect their daily functioning and their health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults need at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night, and children need 9 to 12 hours of sleep per night and even more during early childhood and infancy.
The good news is that sleep loss is a lifestyle behavior that a person can usually have some control over. Depression, medications, a snoring spouse, stress, sleep apnea, and other factors can contribute to sleep loss or interrupted sleep. If you are having difficulty sleeping, you should talk with your doctor. A good night’s sleep is vital to your health! |
