Getting enough sleep isn’t just about feeling rested, it’s also vital for maintaining good health. A recent study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) highlights the surprising connection between sleep and insulin resistance, particularly in women. Insulin resistance is a key factor in the development of type 2 diabetes, a condition where the body struggles to manage blood sugar levels.
The research, published in Diabetes Care, found that even a mild reduction in sleep – just 1.5 hours less per night – can lead to increased insulin resistance. This effect was even more pronounced in postmenopausal women. Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar, and when the body becomes resistant to it, blood sugar levels rise, which can eventually lead to type 2 diabetes.
Women generally report poorer sleep than men, and sleep disturbances can have serious long-term effects on health. The study enrolled 40 women between the ages of 20 and 75, all of whom had healthy sleep patterns but were at risk for cardiometabolic diseases, such as obesity or a family history of type 2 diabetes. The women were asked to participate in two sleep phases: one with adequate sleep (7.5 hours per night) and one with restricted sleep (6.2 hours per night). The results were eye-opening: those who slept less showed a 14.8% increase in insulin resistance, and this effect was stronger in postmenopausal women, who experienced a 20.1% increase.
This means that losing just a little sleep each night could have a big impact on your body’s ability to regulate blood sugar, especially for those at risk for diabetes.
If you are having trouble with sleep, do not underestimate the importance of improving it. Ensuring you get adequate, quality sleep every night is one of the most effective ways to keep your body and metabolism in balance.
Study: Zuraikat FM, et al. Chronic Insufficient Sleep in Women Impairs Insulin Sensitivity Independent of Adiposity Changes: Results of a Randomized Trial. Diabetes Care. 2023. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc23-1156external link
