New Delhi: Sleep is a secret to good health. It is often said a person must have a complete sleep for 7-8 hours, adding to this a recent study has revealed that sleeping less than 6 hours a night can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. A prevalent issue among diabetes patients is the impact of poor sleep on blood sugar control. Sleep is not merely a period of rest; it plays a vital role in overall health, particularly for those managing diabetes or at risk of it. Let’s explore how sleep influences blood sugar levels and why maintaining good sleep hygiene is crucial.
What is the Relationship Between Sleep and Blood Sugar?
Dr David Chandy, Consultant and Section Co-ordinator – Endocrinology, Sir HN Reliance Hospital, Mumbai shared with News9, “Sleep and blood sugar levels are intricately linked. During sleep, the body undergoes various processes, including the regulation of hormones that affect blood sugar. For instance, insulin, the hormone responsible for controlling blood sugar levels, is influenced by the quality and quantity of your sleep. Poor sleep can lead to insulin resistance, where the body fails to respond effectively to insulin, resulting in elevated blood sugar levels and challenging diabetes management.”
Hormonal Imbalance
Inadequate sleep can disrupt the balance of several key hormones, including cortisol and adrenaline, which are involved in the stress response. “Elevated levels of these hormones can raise blood sugar levels. Additionally, insufficient sleep can lower leptin, a hormone that signals satiety, and increase ghrelin, which stimulates hunger. This hormonal imbalance can lead to heightened appetite and cravings for high-carbohydrate foods, further aggravating blood sugar spikes,” added Dr Chandy.
The Role of Circadian Rhythms
Our bodies follow a natural 24-hour cycle known as the circadian rhythm, which regulates sleep-wake patterns, metabolism, and hormone release. Disruptions to this rhythm, such as irregular sleep schedules or staying up late, can impair the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar. This is particularly concerning for shift workers or those frequently travelling across time zones, as their circadian rhythms are often disrupted.
The Vicious Cycle
According to Dr Chandy, “Poor sleep and elevated blood sugar levels can create a self-perpetuating cycle. High blood sugar levels may lead to frequent urination, causing nighttime awakenings and disrupting sleep. Conversely, sleep apnea—a condition characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep—is more common in people with diabetes. This condition results in fragmented sleep, which exacerbates blood sugar control issues.”
A prevalent issue among diabetes patients is the impact of poor sleep on blood sugar control. Sleep is not merely a period of rest; it plays a vital role in overall health, particularly for those managing diabetes or at risk of it. Let’s explore how sleep influences blood sugar levels and why maintaining good sleep hygiene is crucial. Health Conditions Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
