Go to bed earlier or risk your health, warns professor Tim Spector

In a recent study conducted by Zoe Health in collaboration with Lund University Diabetes Centre and the Harvard Chan School of Public Health, researchers found a significant correlation between bedtime routines and blood sugar levels. The study, published in the journal Diabetologia, examined how sleep quality and duration impact metabolic health. The findings indicated that later bedtimes and poor sleep quality could lead to higher blood glucose levels and impaired metabolic response following meals. Prof. Tim Spector, a prominent health expert and founder of Zoe Health, emphasized the importance of prioritizing sleep health alongside dietary choices and exercise routines. He recommends head to bed at least 30 minutes earlier to help regulate blood sugar levels. When sleep is extended, participants tend to experience reduced blood glucose levels, particularly after high-carbohydrate meals. Furthermore, the study revealed that sleep efficiency, or the ratio of time spent asleep to the total sleep period, also plays a crucial role in glycaemic control. Those who sleep more efficiently exhibit lower postprandial blood glucose levels, suggesting that disturbed sleep adversely affects metabolic function. Addressing sleep patterns could be critical in reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome, which encompasses health issues contributing to type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular problems. By better managing sleep schedules, individuals may enhance their overall health outcomes and improve their body's response to food. Spector's advice to focus on sleep as a pillar of health underscores the need for holistic health strategies incorporating sleep hygiene, nutritional choices, and regular physical activity.