Poor quality sleep is associated with diabetes
November 18, 2021Categories: Diabetes Care, Brain and Spine
Not many people think of sleep being connected with chronic diseases. Over the past 35 to 40 years, research from the relatively new field of sleep medicine is showing disorders like sleep apnea could impact whether a person develops serious and costly chronic health conditions including prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes. Adekunle Ajisebutu, MD sleep medicine specialist at MercyOne Clive Sleep Center, says research is showing sleep and medical conditions are intertwined.
“Sleep plays a crucial role in a person’s overall health and reducing health risks,” says Dr. Ajisebutu. “The body needs time to recharge so it can function effectively. During sleep, our body becomes rejuvenated. Quality sleep also increases the capability of our immune system so it can manage the possible health stressors we face on a daily basis.”
Natural rhythm of sleep
Most people have heard of the term “circadian”. The term circadian comes from the Latin phrase “circa diem,” which means “around a day.” Circadian rhythms work to help to make sure the body’s processes are optimized at various points during a 24-hour period. Multiple organ systems in our body are circadian:
- Heart
- Liver
- Pancreas (produces insulin)
The correct alignment of rest and wake time is critical to optimal organ functionality. Sleep is critical to maintain circadian alignment.
Sleep disorders and diabetes
The CDC reports diabetes is a significant health issue in the United States. Diagnosed cases of diabetes account for more than $327 billion yearly in medical costs and lost work and wages. More than 88 million adults have prediabetes and more than 84% of them don’t know it.
Sleep disorders including sleep apnea are a frequent cause of poor sleep quality. Sleep apnea impacts 1 in 5 Americans and involves a person stopping breathing multiple times during sleep which can last for seconds to minutes. This disorder is associated with an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes.
Insulin is the primary controller of blood sugar. During sleep, insulin tends to drop, as does cortisol, a hormone important in metabolism and blood sugar levels.
“Research has shown a person with severe obstructive sleep apnea has a 30% higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes,” said Dr. Ajisebutu. “In people with untreated sleep apnea and chronic sleep deprivation, cortisol levels increase which results in increased blood sugar levels. Additionally, hormones that affect appetite and reduce hunger become ineffective. This combination, along with obstructive sleep apnea, can lead to obesity, insulin resistance and progression to Type 2 diabetes.”
The bottom line, not getting enough sleep due to a sleep disorder, can put you at a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Daily habits impacting sleep
Dr. Ajisebutu says work schedules including night shifts can make getting enough sleep - 7 hours for adults and more for children and teens - more difficult. Sleep disorders disrupt circadian alignment in the body.
Dr. Ajisebutu encourages people to be proactive and control what they can. This includes knowing your A1C blood sugar level and if a family member has diabetes.
If you are constantly exhausted or feel sleepy during the daytime, ask if sleep disorders are in your family’s history. Lifestyle changes like banning blue light devices including smart phones and TVs from the bedroom may be a good start. The light from a smartphone can suppress the release of the hormone melatonin, which is a hormone that promotes sleep.
