Nighttime Threat DESTROYS Blood Sugar AND Sleep

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted June 22, 2022

Dear Living Well Daily Reader,

There’s nothing like a good night’s sleep.

There’s a lot riding on your sleep—including your overall health.

Poor sleep can lead to a number of problems, like weight gain and even lung disease.

And now your odds of getting a good night’s sleep have just gotten worse.

Researchers have found that this nighttime threat could DESTROY your blood sugar and your sleep.

A lot of things have changed in the last 100 years, but one that has a huge impact on our health is that amount of light we’re exposed to.

Whether it’s your phone, a reading light, or your TV, your body is getting a LOT more artificial light than it used to.

And now, it may come with a cost.

A new study found that just one night of moderate light exposure during sleep destroyed blood sugar control and heart regulation – both of which are risk factors for metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and heart disease.

Light exposure causes your insulin regulation to stop functioning correctly. In fact, the study found that a single bad night’s sleep can even cause insulin resistance the following day.

Past studies have shown that light exposure during the day turns on your sympathetic nervous system. This is the part of your nervous system that turns on when you’re anxious or in danger—it’s where “fight-or-flight” feelings come from.

Your sympathetic nervous system is typically functioning during the day. It pushes your heart rate up, mobilizes sugar for energy, and keeps you alert. The parasympathetic system does just the opposite: it slows you down and keeps you calm.

The researchers in this study suggest that light exposure at night flips on the sympathetic system – which not only leads to poor sleep, but also to metabolic changes such as poor blood sugar control.

So, if you’re one of those people who sleep with a bedside lamp on, a night light, or keep the television on while you sleep, then it’s time to find the off switches for those electrical devices.

I suggest you close the blinds, draw the curtains, and turn off all the lights before you tuck yourself into bed.

And, of course, put your phone in a drawer if you have to have it close to you when you sleep.

P.S. Keeping your blood sugar normal is difficult for even the healthiest of folks. If you struggle with pre-diabetes or insulin resistance, then you should learn more about this Mexican gourd that can decrease blood sugar spikes 35 percent.

SOURCE:

Northwestern University. “Even moderate light exposure during sleep harms heart health and increases insulin resistance: study.” 3/14/2022. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2022-03-moderate-exposure-heart-health-insulin.html

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

View More By Dr. Scott Olson, ND