Shortchanging Sleep Can Trigger THIS Disease
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted June 8, 2024
When did we decide that sleep is a luxury or that we should feel guilty about getting some quality shuteye when we need it?
Was there a vote? Because if so, I missed it.
But I wish it had never happened—because sleep is GOOD for us.
In fact, it’s VITAL for optimal health. And not getting enough harms us in all kinds of ways.
Now, new research has revealed yet another way shortchanging sleep can take a toll on your health— this time, it could leave you fighting a lifelong battle.
Scientists have uncovered a significant link between insufficient sleep and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
If you clock just five hours of sleep a night, you face a 16 percent higher likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those who get seven to eight hours.
But it gets far worse. People who only manage to get only three to four hours of sleep nightly have an astonishing 41 percent higher risk.
To understand the link, you need to grasp the role of insulin in our bodies.
When someone has type 2 diabetes, their body becomes resistant to insulin, and the pancreas struggles to produce sufficient amounts of this vital hormone. Insulin is crucial to regulating the glucose (sugar) in our bloodstream, derived from the food we eat.
Sleep-deprived people often exhibit elevated inflammation levels and free fatty acids in their bloodstream. These factors can significantly impair insulin sensitivity, leading to insulin resistance, which contributes to the development of type 2 diabetes.
So, if you’re having trouble getting sufficient sleep, improving your sleep quality is vital. This can, in turn, potentially reduce the risk of developing diabetes.
Here are some suggestions to help you do that:
- Keep a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends, to maintain a regular sleep-wake cycle.
- Establish a relaxing bedtime routine, such as reading a book or taking a warm bath, to promote a peaceful transition into sleep.
- Ensure the bedroom environment is conducive to sleep by keeping it dark, quiet, and cool.
- Avoid exposure to screens, including smartphones, for at least one hour before bedtime to minimize the impact of blue light on sleep hormones.
- Consider natural remedies, such as valerian root, chamomile tea, or melatonin supplements, which can promote better sleep.
- Engage in regular exercise but avoid vigorous activity too close to bedtime to allow the body sufficient time to unwind.
- Reduce caffeine and alcohol in your diet, particularly in the evening, as these substances can significantly disrupt sleep patterns.
Sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Make sure you’re getting the rest your body needs.
P.S. Natural sleep solution costs PENNIES a day.
Source:
Nôga DA, Meth EDMES, Pacheco AP, et al. Habitual Short Sleep Duration, Diet, and Development of Type 2 Diabetes in Adults. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(3):e241147. [doi:10. 1001/ jamanetworkopen. 2024. 1147]
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.
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