Long naps and daytime sleepiness could increase risk of diabetes

Excessive daytime sleepiness and long naps can signal many things, from working late to sleep disturbance. According to a new study, however, daytime sleepiness and taking long naps may both also be associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

Previous studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of taking short naps, but the new analysis suggests long naps could increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. 

Getting enough sleep is a key part of a healthy lifestyle, playing a crucial role in protecting both physical and mental health. Not getting enough sleep can lead to sleepiness during the day along with napping—the habit of taking short sleeps ranging from a few minutes to a few hours. 

According to the National Sleep Foundation, a short nap of 20-30 minutes can help improve mood, alertness and performance. However, napping for longer than 10-20 minutes can lead to sleep inertia—a feeling of disorientation that comes from waking after a deep sleep—as well as potentially having a negative effect on the length and quality of nighttime sleep. 

Besides poor sleep habits, many of the risk factors for type 2 diabetes are linked to lifestyle, including physical inactivity, excess weight and poor diet.

Source: 51st Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes, Stockholm, Sweden. 
And, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/299703

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