Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Feb 18: Poor sleep quality and shorter sleep duration could directly impact blood sugar levels and push otherwise healthy individuals towards a pre-diabetic state, according to a large cohort study published in the Journal of Global Health.

The study found that individuals who slept less than six hours a night were more likely to experience elevated fasting blood glucose levels. Pre-diabetes is a condition marked by higher-than-normal blood sugar levels that are not yet high enough to be classified as diabetes, but it signals an increased risk of developing type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

Researchers observed a clear association between poor sleep quality and increased risk of pre-diabetes, independent of other lifestyle factors. The findings were based on data collected between 1996 and 2022 from 534,238 participants. Among them, 52,208 deaths were recorded during the study period. The data showed that individuals who typically slept six to eight hours and had normal blood sugar levels faced a higher risk of all-cause mortality if their sleep duration shortened over time.

Experts explain that inadequate or disrupted sleep — including frequent awakenings and irregular sleep patterns — can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate glucose metabolism. Sleep deprivation increases the secretion of stress hormones such as cortisol, which in turn raises blood sugar levels and contributes to insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes.

The findings carry particular significance for India. A national study conducted by Indian Council of Medical Research and published in The Lancet reported that 136 million Indians were pre-diabetic as of 2023, indicating a vast at-risk population. Urban lifestyles marked by late nights, excessive screen exposure and rising stress levels are further worsening sleep quality.

Health experts say improving sleep hygiene is a low-cost and effective strategy to reduce diabetes risk. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, keeping bedrooms cool and well-ventilated, avoiding stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol before bedtime, and following a calming wind-down routine can significantly enhance sleep quality.

They stress that poor sleep is not merely a cause of fatigue but a potential contributor to metabolic disorders. Prioritising restorative and consistent sleep could play a key role in preventing diabetes and improving overall public health.