There’s nothing more enjoyable than falling into a deep sleep and drifting off into a dream. Although a good nap may be the high point of a busy day, researchers at the University of Tokyo suggest that napping for more than 60 minutes during the day might be an indicator of type-2 diabetes.
a 1995 study by Nasa concluded that a 26-minute nap is the ideal length of time.
The study, which incorporated data from 21 studies and over a quarter of million people, noted a non-causal link between daytime naps of more than 60 minutes and an increased risk of type-2 diabetes that jumped up to 45 percent. However, the research, which is being presented at European Association for the Study of Diabetes in Munich noted that there was no link between diabetes and naps of less than 40 minutes.
Short naps are clearly better the authors of the study suggest. They note that a 1995 study by Nasa concluded that a 26-minute nap is the ideal length of time. The performance and alertness of air traffic controllers increased by 34 per cent and 54 per cent respectively with naps of approximately one half hour. The study’s lead author, Dr. Yamada Tomahide, said: ‘Several studies have demonstrated beneficial effects of taking short naps less than 30 minutes in duration, which help to increase alertness and motor skills. A short nap finishes before the onset of deep slow-wave sleep.
‘Although the mechanisms by which a short nap might decrease the risk of diabetes are still unclear, a short nap appears to have the effect of augmenting an abnormal circadian rhythm caused by sleep deprivation.’
What researchers have concluded is that sleep disturbances are associated with insulin resistance. Researchers believe that napping as a result of sleep apnea is a red flag. Napping may also be the result of extreme fatigue which may also be associated with diabetes. However, researchers believe that anyone who feels excessively tired, despite getting adequate amounts of sleep may want to be tested for diabetes.
