A recent study by researchers has revealed that individuals who sleep less than six hours per night are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The research was conducted using data from the UK Biobank, which contains information on approximately 250,000 adults.
The study aimed to explore the relationship between total sleep duration and type 2 diabetes risk. Participants were asked to report their total hours of sleep in a 24-hour period, with short sleep duration categorized as mild (six hours), moderate (five hours), or extreme (three to four hours).
The findings showed that although a healthy diet is associated with a reduced risk of diabetes, individuals who slept less than six hours per day had an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Those who slept for five hours had a 16% greater risk, while those who slept for three to four hours had a 41% higher risk compared to those who slept for seven to eight hours.
Previous studies have also shown that getting between seven to eight hours of sleep per night is associated with the lowest risk of diabetes. Factors such as individual differences in sleep quality and lifestyle can also influence the relationship between sleep duration and diabetes risk.
However, it may not always be possible to get enough sleep due to various factors such as work schedules or other commitments. In such cases, engaging in high-intensity interval exercise during the day can help mitigate the potential effects of short sleep on diabetes risk.
In conclusion, inadequate sleep can have a significant impact on the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, even with a healthy diet. It is important for individuals prioritize healthy sleep habits and engage in physical activity to reduce the risk of this chronic disease.
