It is becoming a worn out cliche now, but is still pertinent: sleep deprivation increases the chances of developing type 2 diabetes.
This cause-and-effect phenomenon is largely ignored by people everywhere, especially in the "developed" world.
It seems that most people are paying attention to the question, "What causes type 2 diabetes?" while ignoring other important questions, such as: - How does lack of enough sleep affect our health? - How are we impacted by the quality or our sleep? It certainly is "not cool" to follow strict health practices nowadays.
Who goes to bed by 10:00 PM every night? Who does not eat at late evening/night dinners? Who asks the waiter to decrease their portion size at a restaurant? The answer is, hardly anyone.
Convenience rules.
In the more industrialized countries, productivity often supersedes adherence to strict health principles.
That is why there is daylight savings time - people tend to work longer hours during this time.
Offices are well lit with lights that practically obliterate shadows - simulating "day-like" surroundings.
We could rob ourselves of greater life expectancy by ignoring these little healthy bits of information for years.
The CDC estimates that 50 - 70 million Americans do not get enough sleep, and according to the National Sleep Foundation
There are several lifestyle-related factors, and all are important to maintaining proper health.
Our modern lifestyles are becoming more and more hostile to healthy living, while ironically, our knowledge of health and the medical sciences continues to increase.
Ultimately, the best protection of our health lies in our power of choice.
Diabetics, especially, should be ready and willing to use it.
This cause-and-effect phenomenon is largely ignored by people everywhere, especially in the "developed" world.
It seems that most people are paying attention to the question, "What causes type 2 diabetes?" while ignoring other important questions, such as: - How does lack of enough sleep affect our health? - How are we impacted by the quality or our sleep? It certainly is "not cool" to follow strict health practices nowadays.
Who goes to bed by 10:00 PM every night? Who does not eat at late evening/night dinners? Who asks the waiter to decrease their portion size at a restaurant? The answer is, hardly anyone.
Convenience rules.
In the more industrialized countries, productivity often supersedes adherence to strict health principles.
That is why there is daylight savings time - people tend to work longer hours during this time.
Offices are well lit with lights that practically obliterate shadows - simulating "day-like" surroundings.
We could rob ourselves of greater life expectancy by ignoring these little healthy bits of information for years.
The CDC estimates that 50 - 70 million Americans do not get enough sleep, and according to the National Sleep Foundation
- Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep each night to feel fully rested.
- School children aged 5-12 years require 9-11 hours.
- Adolescents aged 11-17 years require 8.
5-9.
5 hours each night.
- Have a regular sleep pattern; i.
e.
go to bed at a set time every night - Avoid eating just before bedtime.
This can be difficult for diabetics, but note that that it is possible IF you establish "natural" blood sugar control.
I have done that and now eat a regular 3-meal diet every day, and do not need snacks. - Prepare and maintain a adequate sleep environment.
Your bedroom should have a quiet, relaxing atmosphere, free from distractions such as the TV and computer.
Sleep should be as anticipated and "well-planned" as a proper diet, especially for diabetics. - Get adequate physical exercise, BUT not immediately before retiring to bed.
- Avoid coffee and other caffeinated drinks several hours before bedtime
There are several lifestyle-related factors, and all are important to maintaining proper health.
Our modern lifestyles are becoming more and more hostile to healthy living, while ironically, our knowledge of health and the medical sciences continues to increase.
Ultimately, the best protection of our health lies in our power of choice.
Diabetics, especially, should be ready and willing to use it.