The Intertwined World of Weight, Sleep, and Diabetes

Dr. Brian Wojeck, a weight management specialist at Yale School of Medicine, is fascinated by how diabetes, obesity, and sleep disorders are connected. He initially came to Yale to study sleep but became intrigued by how hormones and sleep interact. This led him to explore the connection between these areas and obesity.

Weight and Sleep: A Two-Way Street

Dr. Wojeck explains that weight and sleep significantly impact each other.

• Weight’s Effect on Sleep: Heavier individuals are more likely to have obstructive sleep apnea, a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Extra weight can narrow the airway, making it more prone to collapse. Weight loss, whether through diet, surgery, or medication, often leads to improvements in sleep apnea.
• Sleep’s Effect on Weight: Lack of sleep disrupts our hormones. It increases ghrelin, the “hunger hormone,” and decreases leptin, the “fullness hormone.” This imbalance can lead to increased appetite and weight gain.

Sleep and Diabetes: A Hidden Connection

Dr. Wojeck’s research delves into how specific sleep problems relate to diabetes. He’s found a link between shallow breathing during sleep (hypopneas) with low oxygen levels and an increased risk of developing diabetes.

The Bigger Picture: Understanding the Connections

Dr. Wojeck believes that obesity often triggers a cascade of health issues, with each one influencing the others. By studying the intricate relationships between sleep disorders, obesity, and diabetes, he hopes to uncover new ways to treat these interconnected conditions.

Key Takeaways:

• Weight gain can worsen sleep apnea, while weight loss often improves it.
• Sleep deprivation can lead to hormonal changes that promote weight gain.
• Certain sleep disorders are associated with an increased risk of diabetes.
• Researching the connections between diabetes, obesity, and sleep disorders is crucial for developing more effective treatments.

Source: Yale School of Medicine