7. Sleep Disturbances: The Overlooked Culprit
Sleep disturbances, often an overlooked aspect of health, significantly impact insulin sensitivity. This chapter shines a light on how disruptions in sleep patterns can quietly lay the groundwork for insulin resistance. It’s a journey into the nocturnal aspects of our health, revealing the critical role of sleep in metabolic processes.
The link between poor sleep and insulin resistance is not just about duration but also about quality. Inadequate or disrupted sleep can lead to hormonal imbalances, including increased cortisol levels, which in turn affect insulin sensitivity. Additionally, sleep deprivation can disrupt the balance of leptin and ghrelin, hormones that regulate appetite, often leading to increased hunger and cravings for high-sugar, high-carbohydrate foods.
Sleep apnea, a condition characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, stands out in its connection to insulin resistance. These interruptions can lead to oxygen deprivation, causing stress on the body and contributing to insulin resistance. This highlights a fascinating aspect of sleep’s role: its ability to influence physiological stress and metabolic health.
Understanding the impact of sleep disturbances opens new avenues for addressing insulin resistance. It underscores the importance of good sleep hygiene and the need for proper diagnosis and management of sleep disorders. This chapter not only highlights the significance of sleep in metabolic health but also encourages readers to prioritize sleep as a key component of their overall wellness strategy. (7)
