Napping Linked to Diabetes
New research has shown a link between taking lunchtime or afternoon naps and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
The work by researchers from the University of Birmingham was presented at Diabetes UK’s Annual Professional Conference in Glasgow. The researchers studied over 16,000 people and found that those who napped had a 26 per cent greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes compared to those who never napped.
This doesn't necessarily mean that napping causes an increase in diabetes risk. Other factors such as reduced physical activity and short night time sleep duration may be connected with both napping and diabetes.
Dr Iain Frame, Director of Research at Diabetes UK, said:
The work by researchers from the University of Birmingham was presented at Diabetes UK’s Annual Professional Conference in Glasgow. The researchers studied over 16,000 people and found that those who napped had a 26 per cent greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes compared to those who never napped.
This doesn't necessarily mean that napping causes an increase in diabetes risk. Other factors such as reduced physical activity and short night time sleep duration may be connected with both napping and diabetes.
Dr Iain Frame, Director of Research at Diabetes UK, said:
""We already know that people who are overweight or obese, and therefore more at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, can have problems sleeping. This new research could be another step towards explaining the possible link between disturbed sleep patterns and Type 2 diabetes.
"However, in terms of being major risk factors for developing Type 2 diabetes, disturbed sleep or napping are likely to remain less significant than already established risk factors such as being overweight, being over the age of 40 or having a history of diabetes in the family."
