As any mum can attest, sleep deprivation and parenthood go hand-in-hand, but it may be time to stop shrugging off our nocturnal struggles as a simple by-product of family life, and definitely time to stop treating it with sugar boosts.
According to recent study, sleep deprivation can lead to an increase in food consumption which in turn can ultimately result in type 2 diabetes - a life-threatening disorder which affects the body's metabolic system.
The research, which was conducted by the University of Chicago, identified a link between poor sleeping patterns, dietary choices and the likelihood of developing a disease which affects more than four million people in the UK alone.
It appears the individual's attempts to counteract the repercussions of a bad night's sleep by increasing their food intake may be detrimental to their health, with Dr Maarouf of the Stark Diabetes Centre explaining: "This could mean consuming sugar or other foods to spike blood sugar levels. I really push people to eat properly through the day and get their blood sugars under control so they sleep better at night."
It appears there exists a cyclical pattern, however, with Dr. Maarouf explaining how dietary choices may ultimately affect our night's sleep, saying: "If you get your blood sugar under control, you will get a good night sleep and wake up feeling fabulous with lots of energy."
Eager to placate members of the public who find themselves missing out on sleep during the week, author of the study, Dr. Josiane Broussard, reminds us that the benefit of catching up on sleep at the weekend cannot be underestimated.
Speaking to The Independent, she said: "In this short-term study, we found that two long nights spent catching up on lost sleep can reverse the negative metabolic effects of four consecutive nights of restricted sleep."
"It shows that young, healthy people who sporadically fail to get sufficient sleep during the work week can reduce their diabetes risk if they catch up on sleep during the weekend," she finished.
Is this something which concerns you?
