Is A Regular Sleep Schedule Really That Important For Diabetics?
According to a recent article in The Boston Globe, researchers at Bringham and Women's Hospital monitored 21 men and women who lived in a sleep laboratory for three weeks.
This is the first study which actually examined sleep behaviors in a completely controlled laboratory environment.
Half of the participants were in their 20's and the other half were in their 60's.
They were moved from normal nighttime sleeping to irregular patterns of sleep, spread out at all times of day and night.
They were also eating meals at odd hours of the day and night.
The scientists tested the participant's blood sugar before and after meals along with hormones related to stress, energy regulation and appetite.
Researchers reported that the disrupted schedules altered insulin levels.
Three of the participants were actually sent into a pre-diabetic state.
Metabolism was also slowed to a rate that would cause a 12-13 pound weight gain if the schedule was sustained over a year with no other changes in the person's diet or exercise routine.
This is significant because this applies across the board: men, women, young and older.
Thankfully, the folks involved did not suffer any permanent affects from the study.
Once they were allowed to get a normal amount of sleep on a regular schedule, the metabolic changes they experienced went away.
We've heard about the importance of sleep in the past, but this study just brings it home.
If you are a person who works nights or works two jobs and you have diabetes, it's sure worth taking a look at this study.
Your health comes first because it's true: You can't put a price on good health! Last week my husband and I crossed a time zone on our vacation and I actually felt a little bamfoozled for a couple of days.
We traveled East and gained an hour.
My routine was interrupted just a little bit, but nothing serious.
I can't imagine working a night shift while my body would want to be sleeping.
I've heard people say they just "get used to it".
Obviously, our bodies just don't like being awake when they should be sleeping.
So, the take away is this: whether you are young, old, male or female, you not only need to closely monitor your diet and get regular exercise every day, but you also need to get a good night's sleep every night (7-8 hours).
Also, for the sake of your health, think about getting a steady day job if at all possible.
This is the first study which actually examined sleep behaviors in a completely controlled laboratory environment.
Half of the participants were in their 20's and the other half were in their 60's.
They were moved from normal nighttime sleeping to irregular patterns of sleep, spread out at all times of day and night.
They were also eating meals at odd hours of the day and night.
The scientists tested the participant's blood sugar before and after meals along with hormones related to stress, energy regulation and appetite.
Researchers reported that the disrupted schedules altered insulin levels.
Three of the participants were actually sent into a pre-diabetic state.
Metabolism was also slowed to a rate that would cause a 12-13 pound weight gain if the schedule was sustained over a year with no other changes in the person's diet or exercise routine.
This is significant because this applies across the board: men, women, young and older.
Thankfully, the folks involved did not suffer any permanent affects from the study.
Once they were allowed to get a normal amount of sleep on a regular schedule, the metabolic changes they experienced went away.
We've heard about the importance of sleep in the past, but this study just brings it home.
If you are a person who works nights or works two jobs and you have diabetes, it's sure worth taking a look at this study.
Your health comes first because it's true: You can't put a price on good health! Last week my husband and I crossed a time zone on our vacation and I actually felt a little bamfoozled for a couple of days.
We traveled East and gained an hour.
My routine was interrupted just a little bit, but nothing serious.
I can't imagine working a night shift while my body would want to be sleeping.
I've heard people say they just "get used to it".
Obviously, our bodies just don't like being awake when they should be sleeping.
So, the take away is this: whether you are young, old, male or female, you not only need to closely monitor your diet and get regular exercise every day, but you also need to get a good night's sleep every night (7-8 hours).
Also, for the sake of your health, think about getting a steady day job if at all possible.
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