A recent study published in ‘Diabetologia’ on the impact of poor sleep revealed that poor sleep efficiency and later bedtime routines are associated with more pronounced postprandial glycemic responses to breakfast the following morning.

The researchers analyzed healthy adults’ data (N = 953 [41% twins]) from the PREDICT dietary intervention trial.The study cohort consumed isoenergetic standardized meals over 2 weeks in the clinic and at home. Actigraphy was used to assess sleep variables (duration, efficiency, timing) and continuous glucose monitors were used to measure glycemic variation (>8000 meals).

According to the investigators, sleep duration, efficiency, and midpoint are important determinants of postprandial glycemic control at a population level. Longer sleep periods were linked to lower blood glucose levels after high-carbohydrate and high-fat breakfasts, indicating better blood glucose control.