HPC-UK Bitesize (Health): Sleep Disturbance Alters Blood Sugar Regulation

Inadequate sleep (quality and quantity) increases the risk of metabolic syndrome and obesity. A study performed at the University of Surrey (UK) showed that mild sleep loss (1.5 hours less than usual) impaired insulin sensitivity, increased bodyweight, and affected body-fat control mechanisms by increasing leptin (a pivotal hormone in the control of fat metabolism). In an optimally functioning body the rise in leptin would be a beneficial result, however in light of the other changes in physiology it’s actually the opposite. It would take a fairly lengthy description of the biochemistry to explain it, so just for now realise that leptin and insulin resistance is a fairly bad mix.

The study compared the effects of normal versus mild sleep deprivation in young men for a three week period, demonstrating the rapidity of changes due to a seemingly innocuous loss.

Many people suffer from poor sleep via many various issues such as obstructive sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, inappropriate nutrition and physical environment and especially shift work. If you do suffer from poor sleep everything you do to optimise your health and fitness will likely come to nought unless you first address this basic need.

Reference:

Robertson, MD et al. Effects of three weeks of mild sleep restriction implemented in the home environment on multiple metabolic and endocrine markers in healthy young men. Metabolism - Clinical and Experimental Volume 62, Issue 2, Pages 204-211, 2013.