A recent analysis of UK Biobank data has revealed a correlation between irregular sleep patterns and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Researchers from Boston and Manchester found that individuals with the most variability in their nightly sleep duration were 59% more likely to develop diabetes over a 7.5-year follow-up compared to those with consistent sleep patterns. This increased risk was particularly evident in those who slept longer and those with a lower genetic risk score for diabetes. The results were published in Diabetes Care, highlighting the potential link between sleep variation and diabetes risk.
By analyzing data from 84,421 UK Biobank participants, researchers were able to investigate the impact of irregular sleep on diabetes risk. Participants wore accelerometers, which tracked their activity levels, for seven days between 2013-2015. Using genetic data, the researchers calculated polygenic risk scores for diabetes based on known genetic variants. The results showed that participants with a sleep duration deviation of 31-45 minutes from their average had a 15% increased risk of diabetes, while those with a deviation of 91 minutes or more had a 59% increased risk after adjusting for demographic factors.
The study also looked at the influence of sleep duration differences of over and under 60 minutes on diabetes risk. Participants with a difference of over 60 minutes had a 34% increased risk, but this decreased to 11% after adjusting for lifestyle factors, comorbidities, environmental factors, and adiposity. The researchers did not delve into the specific mechanisms underlying the link between sleep variation and diabetes risk but suggested that irregular sleep patterns could disrupt circadian rhythms, impacting glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. These findings add to the growing body of evidence suggesting a connection between sleep patterns and metabolic health.
Dr. Sudha Tallavajhula, a neurologist and sleep medicine physician, highlighted the bidirectional relationship between sleep disorders, obesity, and diabetes. She explained that impaired sleep can affect hormonal pathways, leading to poor utilization of glucose and fat. Previous research has linked sleep disorders to metabolic inefficiency underlying both obesity and diabetes, reinforcing the importance of addressing sleep issues in managing these conditions. Dr. Tallavajhula emphasized the multifactorial nature of the relationship and the need for comprehensive strategies to improve sleep and metabolic health.
In a separate study looking at the role of circadian rhythm in type 2 diabetes risk, researchers found that ‘night owls’ were more likely to develop diabetes than ‘early birds’. Chronotype, which relates to an individual’s preferences for sleep and waking times, is tied to circadian rhythm, influenced by factors such as light exposure. The study, conducted using data from the Nurses’ Health Study II, also highlighted the impact of lifestyle behaviors on diabetes risk. Maintaining healthy routines, including consistent sleep, regular physical activity, and balanced meals, was emphasized as crucial for overall health and the prevention of type 2 diabetes. These findings underscore the importance of addressing sleep patterns and lifestyle habits in managing and preventing metabolic conditions like diabetes.
