SLEEP AND
diabetes
SLEEPING ON IT
By Myke Bartlett
There’s a strong link between sleep apnoea and type 2 diabetes, although experts are divided on exactly how that link works. But can improving sleep have a real benefit for people with diabetes?
We all know the difference a good night's sleep can make. When we sleep well, everything seems easier, whether it’s work, parenting or just putting up with other people. But new research suggests that the benefits of sleeping soundly extend far beyond improved mental health and wellbeing, particularly for those with chronic health conditions such as diabetes. The study of sleep is a relatively new area in science, but extensive research exists around one of the most prevalent sleep disorders – sleep apnoea. Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a disorder in which, during sleep, breathing is interrupted by a blockage of the air flow, leading the body to wake itself up. Symptoms include snoring (which is also often associated with diabetes) and excessive, unexplained sleepiness during the day. There’s also a strong link between OSA, obesity and diabetes. People with OSA are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes and more than half of people with type 2 diabetes experience OSA. Untreated, both conditions can lead to cardiovascular disease.
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