Many factors in modern life-lights, computers, Internet-keep us awake at night! If you tend to be a night owl, you may be at higher risk for diabetes. Korean researchers found middle-age adults with a preference for going to bed late were 1.73 times as likely to have diabetes and metabolic syndrome. These differences persisted after adjusting for sleep length and other lifestyle factors. This early study did not show causation.
It could be that unhealthy lifestyle habits influence circadian rhythms, or the opposite could be true. Regardless of the cause establish good sleep habits and reduce your risk of diabetes.
Fred Hardinge DrPH, RD
Source: PositiveChoices.com. Used with permission.