A recent study published in the journal JAMA Network Open has uncovered a potential link between inadequate sleep and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Dr. Diana Nôga, the lead author of the study and a sleep researcher at Uppsala University in Sweden, emphasized the significance of previous research indicating a heightened diabetes risk due to insufficient rest, contrasting it with the potential benefits of a healthy diet in mitigating this risk.
The study, drawing from a vast pool of participants from the UK Biobank study, examined the health outcomes of nearly 247,900 individuals aged 40 to 69 in the United Kingdom over a span of at least 10 years. Participants reported their dietary habits and sleep durations, with criteria for a healthy diet including regular consumption of fruits, vegetables, and limited red meat intake.
Among the key findings, individuals sleeping less than six hours per day faced nearly double the risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those with a normal sleep duration of seven to eight hours. Notably, even individuals adhering to a healthy diet did not exhibit reduced diabetes risk if their sleep was insufficient.
Dr. Leana Wen, a CNN wellness contributor and professor of health policy and management, stressed the importance of lifestyle factors in chronic disease development, emphasizing the often-overlooked role of sleep. Dr. Wen highlighted the study’s support for the critical role of adequate sleep in preventing chronic diseases such as diabetes.
While the study confirms a correlation between poor sleep and diabetes risk, it does not establish a cause-and-effect relationship. Dr. Naveed Sattar, a professor of cardiometabolic medicine at the University of Glasgow, underscored the need for randomized trials to validate such a relationship through interventions targeting sleep habits.
Nevertheless, ample evidence suggests that insufficient sleep can disrupt appetite regulation and impair glucose metabolism, both of which are implicated in the development of type 2 diabetes. To promote better sleep, experts recommend establishing consistent sleep schedules, creating a conducive sleep environment, and adopting relaxation techniques before bedtime while avoiding stimulants like caffeine and alcohol. Prioritizing adequate sleep may not only enhance overall well-being but also mitigate the risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes.