The content in this article should not be taken as medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider regarding your individual health needs.
A lot of us are guilty of skimping on sleep—1 in 3 Americans, in fact. Experts at the Academy of Sleep Medicine agree that we should all aim for at least 7 hours each night. Why? Because sleep does more than just keep us from yawning all day—it helps keep our brains sharp, our stress levels in check, our bodies strong, and inflammation at bay.
What does sleep have to do with glucose levels?
While you sleep, your body is hard at work regulating hormones like insulin and cortisol, which play a big role in stabilizing glucose levels. If your sleep is disrupted, it can throw these hormones out of balance, leading to issues like increased appetite and insulin resistance. In fact, studies show that getting less than six hours or more than ten hours of sleep—or having poor sleep quality—can increase your risk of developing prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.
Here’s a closer look at the all-important role a good night’s sleep plays in your glucose health and type 2 diabetes prevention.
Improving insulin sensitivity
During deep sleep, the body becomes more sensitive to insulin, which means cells are more effective at absorbing glucose from the bloodstream. Quality sleep also helps the body metabolize fats more effectively, reducing insulin resistance.
Reducing inflammation
Regular, restful sleep can help reduce inflammation in your body. And since higher inflammation levels are linked to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, those extra z’s really do matter.
Regulating appetite
A good night's rest can help curb your appetite. When you're sleep-deprived, the hormones that control hunger—leptin and ghrelin—can become unbalanced, making you feel hungrier and more likely to overeat. And overeating can overwhelm your body with more sugar than it can handle at once, leading to blood sugar spikes.
Taking charge
If you’re feeling like your sleep quality or duration isn’t where it should be, there’s good news: there’s always room to improve. Optimizing your sleep habits can help increase stabilization of glucose levels and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. There’s no time like the present to take stock of your sleep habits and develop a routine that ensures you get the restful sleep you need.
Curated & reviewed by: Kayce Sol
MA, RN, BSN, CDCES
MA, RN, BSN, CDCES
Kayce Sol is a registered nurse and certified diabetes care and education specialist.
Written by: Stelo Team
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