Although previous research has also highlighted several drawbacks of sleep deprivation, this time an important revelation has emerged regarding changes in sleep patterns and its impact on various diseases.
According to a report by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), disruptions in regular sleep patterns, such as not having a specific time for sleeping and waking up, can increase the risk of multiple health issues.
This research was conducted by scientists from King’s College London in the UK, who analyzed the routines of nearly a thousand individuals’ daily lives.
The study found that extra sleep of up to 90 minutes during weekend holidays negatively affects stomach health, leading to an increased risk of diabetes, heart diseases, and obesity.
In the digestive system, there are various types of bacteria, some of which are beneficial for the gut, but others can be harmful to the stomach.
Dr. Kate Birmingham, a senior nutrition scientist at a health science company called ZOE, explains that people who don’t get regular sleep are often more inclined to feel hungrier and make unhealthy food choices.
The research published in the European Journal of Nutrition also looked into the participants’ sleep and blood data.
The results showed that people with changing sleep patterns tend to consume more potato-based products and reduce the intake of fruits and vegetables.
Previous studies have also shown that such individuals are prone to obesity and mental fatigue.
Dr. Birmingham further explains that “poor food choices are affected by disruptions in sleep, and such individuals tend to crave carbohydrates or sugary foods.”
Unhealthy eating habits can lead to alterations in stomach bacteria.
The research team emphasizes the complex relationship between sleep, diet, and stomach bacteria, stating that much more needs to be understood.
The researchers advise individuals to try and maintain consistent sleep patterns throughout the week. For instance, if someone sleeps at 11 PM and wakes up at 8 AM every day but stays up until midnight or 1 AM on weekends, waking up at 10 AM, even this slight difference can have a severe impact on health.
Previously, research published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism in the United States revealed that deep and sound sleepers may have lower blood sugar levels.”
