Sleep problems often travel hand in hand with diabetes. Studies show that the blood sugar disease can contribute to sleep loss. It’s a double-edged sword because not getting enough sleep increases a person’s likelihood of developing diabetes.
Our contemporary 21st-century lifestyles and the fast-paced demands in makes upon the world also affects our ability to get a proper night’s sleep. A Japanese study noted how the duration of sleep affects higher HbA1c levels and a swelling body mass index, even if you’re following a healthy diet and embracing a routine of physical activity!
Part of the problem is how hard your body has to work when your blood sugar levels start to spike. As your kidneys try to rid your body of sugar by urinating it away, it results in the frequent, middle of the night trips to the bathroom the undermine your sleep even more. As a consequence of being sleep deprived lethargy starts to overtake your days.
When you’re tired, you to tend to eat more to compensate for your lack of energy. But by overeating further increases blood glucose levels and the vicious cycle repeats itself over and over again.
Volunteers in one study were asked to sleep 4 hours a day for 6 nights. Researchers noted they experience a 40% increase in glucose levels. When those same participants consumed a high-carbohydrate breakfast, their glucose levels remained high compared to when they were well-rested.
In another sleep study, scientists prevented subjects from entering into a state of deep sleep without waking them. As a consequence, they experienced decreased insulin efficiency and increased blood sugar levels.
Individuals, doctors believe, who sleep less tend to weigh more resulting in an increased risk of sleep apnea and diabetes. The evidence is clear, burning the candle at both ends, ignoring your body’s demands for more sleep can only do you more harm than good.
So start tonight getting a solid eight hours of sleep.
