Shift workers at risk of developing diabetes due to lack of sleep
A recent study has shown that shift workers who consistently sleep less than five hours a night may be at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). Vittoria Bonato, medical director of the Endocrinopathy Unit at Israelite Hospital in Rome, emphasized the importance of sleep duration, quality, and timing in relation to the risk of developing DM2.
According to Bonato, individuals who sleep for around 7 hours a night have an optimal amount of sleep, while those who sleep less than 6 hours or more than 9 hours may have up to a 50% increased risk of developing DM2. Additionally, every hour of decreased or increased sleep is associated with a 9-14% increase in disease risk.
In addition to sleep duration, sleep quality plays a role in the risk of developing DM2. Poor sleep quality, influenced by various psychological, physiological, and environmental factors including shift work, is linked to a greater risk of DM2. Bonato also noted that individuals who are night owls may be at a greater risk of developing DM2 compared to early risers.
To combat the negative effects of sleep on the development of DM2, Bonato recommends maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity and potentially implementing the Mediterranean diet. A recent study on English subjects without diabetes found that those who slept less than 6 hours had a greater risk of developing DM2, but regular physical activity helped lower this risk.
In conclusion, Bonato advises shift workers to focus on modifiable risk factors, such as improving sleep duration, maintaining a healthy diet, and practicing regular physical activity to reduce the risk of developing DM2. Taking proactive steps towards improving sleep habits may help prevent the onset of diabetes in shift workers.