Sleep deprivation leads to risk of obesity, diabetes

There’s more evidence that not getting enough sleep may lead to an increased risk of diabetes and obesity. Sporadic and irregular sleep can raise blood sugar levels and slow metabolism, according to a study published April 11 in the journal Science Translational Medicine.

Researchers at Harvard Medical School in Boston monitored 21 healthy adults for six weeks in a laboratory where their sleep and diet were controlled. Participants followed sleep patterns that mimicked situations in which sleep opportunities are short and often occur during unusual times, such as a rotating shift worker’s schedule.

Participants’ resting metabolic rate decreased and their glucose level increased after meals because of poor insulin secretion, conditions that can lead to weight gain and diabetes.

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