In a new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, it was shown that lack of sleep prevents fat cells from responding efficiently to insulin.
Lipids that are generally stored in fat cells can leak into the bloodstream and neighboring tissue when fat cells are unable to respond to insulin. This causes insulin resistance which often leads to Type 2 diabetes.
The study included seven participants of normal weight and under 24 years of age. After being allowed only 4 1/2 hours of sleep for 4 nights, the participants were found to have fat cells that were 30% less responsive to insulin than when they slept for 8 1/2 hours for 4 nights. In addition whole-body insulin sensitivity was also reduced by 16%. Researchers likened sleep deprivation for 4 nights to metabolically aging participants 10 to 20 years.
Adults generally need 7 to 9 hours of sleep daily. Deprivation of adequate sleep leads to reduction in mental alertness, slow learning and also slows metabolism.
New studies are being planned to see if increasing sleep in obese people will improve their fat cell metabolism.
Ashvagandha and Valerian are herbs that help promote restful sleep.
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