Cat-Naps Increase Diabetes Risk By 26%

Taking regular naps could increase the risk of diabetes, experts say.  People who enjoy siestas often are 26% more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes, research has found.

A total of 2.25 million people in the UK are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, which is linked to unhealthy lifestyles and obesity, and another 500,000 are thought to be undiagnosed.

The latest research, being presented at Diabetes UK's Annual Professional Conference in Glasgow, examined the napping habits of 16,480 older people in China.

A large proportion of the group (68%) took a nap at least once a week.

Even when other factors were taken into account that may influence the result, the study found napping was linked with an increased risk of developing diabetes.

Overall, people who napped at least once a week had a 26% greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes compared with those who never took a nap.

The experts, led by a team from the University of Birmingham, said several factors may be behind the link, including the fact that people who nap are also probably taking less exercise.

In addition, napping during the day may disrupt night-time sleep - people who sleep for just a few hours a night are known to have a greater chance of developing Type 2.

Waking up from a short sleep also activates hormones and mechanisms in the body that stop insulin working effectively, the researchers said. 

March 2009, Diabetes UK's Annual Professional Conference