Fact 13: Sleep’s Influence on Prediabetes
Sleep plays a critical role in regulating metabolism, including blood sugar levels. Poor sleep quality or insufficient sleep can disrupt the body’s ability to use insulin effectively, leading to higher blood sugar levels. This disruption increases the risk of developing prediabetes.
Sleep disorders like sleep apnea, which cause interrupted breathing and restless sleep, are closely linked to insulin resistance and prediabetes. Individuals with sleep apnea often experience fluctuating oxygen levels during sleep, which can stress the body and affect its ability to regulate blood sugar.
Improving sleep quality can be an effective strategy in managing and preventing prediabetes. This can include establishing a regular sleep schedule, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and avoiding stimulants like caffeine and electronic screens before bedtime.
Shift work, especially night shifts, can disrupt the body’s natural circadian rhythms, leading to poor sleep quality and an increased risk of prediabetes. Workers with irregular hours should be particularly mindful of their sleep patterns and discuss strategies for mitigating risk with healthcare providers.
Raising awareness about the importance of good sleep for metabolic health is vital. Educational efforts can help people understand the connection between sleep, blood sugar regulation, and the risk of prediabetes, encouraging them to prioritize sleep as part of their overall health regimen. (13)
