It can be harmful to sleep for a lengthy time one night and for a short time the next. A recent study found that “irregular” sleep patterns may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.
According to the research’s main author, Sina Kianersi, the findings “underscore the importance of consistent sleep patterns as a strategy to reduce type 2 diabetes.” He works as a research fellow at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, specifically in the Channing Division of Network Medicine.
In this new study, sleep and health data from over 84,000 participants in the ongoing UK Biobank Study were examined. At the start of the trial, none of the British participants had diabetes, and their average age was 62.
Also read-“Remaining Consistent” Is Beneficial For Health
Diabetes
The participants wore accelerometers, which are devices that resemble watches and track movement in bed, for seven nights in a row.
Over the following 7.5 years, the researchers also monitored the occurrence of type 2 diabetes in participants.
Following a number of potential confounding variables to be accounted for, Kianersi and colleagues discovered a strong correlation between erratic sleep patterns and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
A sleep duration that varied by at least 60 minutes on average across nights was considered “irregular” sleep.
Individuals who experienced inconsistent sleep patterns had a 34% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes in comparison to those whose nightly sleep varied less.
In what ways may varying sleep lengths contribute to diabetes?
The Boston team theorizes that “circadian disruption and sleep disturbances” may be involved, however, the study was unable to provide an answer to that particular topic.
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