Title: Study Finds Chronic Sleep Deprivation Increases Insulin Resistance in Women, Particularly Postmenopausal Women
A new study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has revealed that chronic sleep deficiency can significantly increase insulin resistance in women, particularly those who are postmenopausal. The findings emphasize the crucial role of sufficient sleep in minimizing the risk for type 2 diabetes.
Previous research has already established the link between sleep restriction and an elevated risk for cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and disordered glucose metabolism, ultimately leading to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. However, this study specifically focused on the impact of sleep deprivation on women with healthy sleep patterns but elevated risks for cardiometabolic disease.
Over the course of the study, the researchers enrolled 40 women and divided them into two groups based on their sleep patterns. Using sleep sensors worn by the participants for two weeks, the researchers established the baseline sleep patterns.
The study was then conducted in two six-week phases. In one phase, the participants maintained their regular sleep patterns, while in the other phase, their sleep was restricted by 1.5 hours per night. The results showed that sleep restriction led to a significant 14.8% increase in insulin resistance among both pre- and postmenopausal women. Moreover, the effects were found to be more severe in the postmenopausal women.
Interestingly, changes in body weight did not fully explain the effects on insulin and glucose levels, suggesting that sleep deficiency alone plays a critical role in disrupting metabolic processes. However, the study also revealed that once the participants resumed their usual 7-9 hours of sleep per night, their insulin and glucose levels returned to normal.
This study provides valuable insights into the health implications of even minor sleep deficits in women across various age groups and backgrounds. Researchers intend to conduct further studies to gain a deeper understanding of how sleep deprivation affects metabolism in both men and women. They also plan to explore the potential of sleep interventions as a preventive tool for type 2 diabetes.
The study was funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). The trial received clinical trial support from the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS).
These findings underline the importance of prioritizing sufficient sleep for women’s overall well-being and underscore the potential of implementing sleep interventions to combat the rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes.
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