British researchers have found that people who don’t have insomnia are less likely to die than those who do.
The study also highlights that people with insomnia and type 2 diabetes are at a higher risk of death.
Over a nine-year period, half a million mature Britons who had difficulty falling asleep were carefully analyzed by experts.
The results show that those who are deprived of good sleep patterns are at greater risk of losing their lives than those who sleep well.
Research also shows that people with type 2 diabetes who have interrupted their sleep are expected to die almost 90% more often than people without.
The study also found that people with type 2 diabetes who have insomnia were 12% more likely to die than people with type 2 diabetes who sleep well.
Head Professor Dr. Malcolm von Schantz said, “Although we already knew that there was a strong link between poor sleep and poor health, this clearly illustrates the problem.
“The question asked when participants enrolled does not necessarily differentiate between insomnia and other sleep disorders such as sleep apnea.”
He added, “From a practical point of view, it doesn’t matter.
“Doctors should take sleep problems as seriously as other risk factors and work with their patients to reduce and mitigate their overall risk.”
This study marks the first time researchers have examined the effects of poor sleep quality and type 2 diabetes on death.
The participants were divided into four groups: no diabetes and no insomnia, insomnia but no diabetes, diabetes but no insomnia, and those with diabetes and insomnia.
Scientist Dr. Kristen Knutson said: “[Type 2] Diabetes alone was associated with a 67% increased risk of death.
“However, the mortality rate for participants is up [Type 2] Diabetes in combination with frequent sleep problems was increased to 87%. “
She added, “In other words, it is especially important for doctors treating people with diabetes to also evaluate sleep disorders and consider treatment if necessary.”
The entire results of this study were published in the Journal of Sleep Research.
