Sleep: a rare occurrence in a U of T student’s routine. We all know sleep is crucial to the function of our bodies; it helps us consolidate memories, allows our cells to repair and regenerate, and it helps us stay focused during that 9 a.m. lecture. But too much sleep is detrimental, in more ways than we may have recognized initially, says a study performed by the University of Tokyo at the European Assocation for the Study of Diabetes (EASD).
This information was found through meta-analysis of over ten studies conducted on 200,000 people in countries all over the world. When results were cross-examined, researchers found that the risk for developing Type 2 diabetes increased by 56 per cent in those who were extremely tired during the day. For those who napped for more than an hour a day, the chances of developing diabetes increased by 46 per cent. 40 minutes was the maximum amount of time that would not cause an increased risk.
The reason for this is that increased sleep puts people at risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Studies of epidemiology show that OSA is directly linked to ischemia -— or blockages of blood vessels. In 2014, U of T published a study that related OSA and diabetes, those with severe OSA are 30 per cent more likely to develop diabetes.
So what do you think? Will you start taking shorter naps? “Not really. I mean it’s either drinking coffee or soda if I don’t take a long nap, so either way I have an increased chance of diabetes.” Says second-year student Sophia Shim. I guess students really can’t win.
