As the Christmas holidays approach and we get caught up in the festive frenzy, researchers from the University of South Australia are urging people to not compromise on their sleep.
In a first-of-its-kind study, the team found that not sleeping well could make you more susceptible to type 2 diabetes.
This adds a new dimension to how we should think about sleep—it’s not just the amount, but also the quality that matters for our health.
In Australia alone, nearly one million adults live with type 2 diabetes. The number rises dramatically on a global scale to more than 422 million people.
The study led by Dr. Lisa Matricciani surveyed over 1,000 Australian adults with an average age of around 45.
They were questioned about various aspects of their sleep, such as how long they slept, how soundly they slept, and how consistent their sleep patterns were.
The results were eye-opening. Those who reported having trouble sleeping were also likely to have other health issues that are often seen as warning signs for type 2 diabetes.
These included higher body weight, elevated levels of cholesterol, and signs of inflammation in the body.
Dr. Matricciani says, “Everyone knows sleep is important, but we often think about it only in terms of duration. Our study shows that how well we sleep and the consistency of our sleep schedule are also crucial.
People who had trouble sleeping were at greater risk of developing indicators that usually precede type 2 diabetes.”
This festive season, as we navigate through family gatherings, holiday shopping, and perhaps a few late-night parties, it’s more important than ever to prioritize a good night’s sleep.
Not only does lack of sleep affect our mood and energy levels, but as this study reveals, it could also put us on the path to more serious health issues like type 2 diabetes.
So, as you enjoy the holiday treats and time with loved ones, make sure to also give yourself the gift of quality sleep. After all, sleep is not just a “nice-to-have,” but a “need-to-have” for our long-term well-being.
Dr. Matricciani emphasizes the need for more research in this area but for now, her message is clear: think about your sleep as a whole, not just in bits and pieces.
If you care about blood sugar, please read studies about why blood sugar is high in the morning, and how to cook sweet potatoes without increasing blood sugar.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies about 9 unhealthy habits that damage your brain, and results showing this stuff in cannabis may protect the aging brain, and treat Alzheimer’s.
The study was published in The Science of Diabetes Self-Management and Care.
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