Studies have previously highlighted the association between lack of sleep, poor diet, and lack of exercise, but the link to diabetes was not fully understood.
More recently, it has been discovered that sleep deprivation can undermine insulin sensitivity, increasing the chances of diabetes occurring.
While until now, it has been assumed that diabetes and sleep deprivation are linked due to bad lifestyle choices, the study found that sleep deprivation is actually a risk factor for diabetes, regardless of diet and exercise.
How did it do this?
Well, scientists studied mice over the period of a few weeks. They gave them unlimited access to high-fat food and sugar as well as limited exercise.
They then kept half of the mice awake for 6 hours into their normal sleep cycle and measured their glucose levels and fat content of the liver. It was discovered that the sleep-deprived mice had much higher blood glucose as well as higher triglyceride levels.
This means that people with an increased risk of diabetes may need to take extra precautions when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep.
Ensuring that the sleep environment is clean and free from blue light is key, as well as a good mattress and sleep monitoring technology to observe and monitor any changes in sleep patterns.
If you would like to find out more about how a REM-Fit Mattress, REM-Fit Sleep Monitoring technology or Zeeq Smart Pillows can help you to get a better night’s rest, please get in touch with our experienced, knowledgeable staff by calling 020 8731 0020 or email us via sales@rem-fit.co.uk.
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