How does poor sleep affect insulin sensitivity?<\/h3>\n
Dr Kovil explains that sleep is a time when the body performs important metabolic maintenance. \u201cDuring healthy sleep, hormones that regulate glucose, appetite, stress, and energy balance are carefully coordinated.\u201d<\/p>\n
When sleep is inadequate or disrupted, the body produces higher levels of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones signal the liver to release more glucose into the bloodstream while making muscle and fat cells less responsive to insulin. As a result, the pancreas has to work harder to keep blood sugar levels under control.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Poor sleep also increases inflammation, disrupts hunger hormones, and promotes cravings for calorie-dense foods. \u201cOver time, these changes contribute to weight gain, particularly around the abdomen, which further worsens insulin resistance.\u201d<\/p>\n Sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea can make matters worse by causing repeated drops in oxygen levels and activating stress pathways throughout the night.<\/p>\n Story continues below this ad<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Surprisingly, yes. Research has shown that restricting sleep to four to five hours a night for just three to five days can reduce insulin sensitivity by 15-30% even in otherwise healthy adults. \u201cThis means the body becomes less efficient at moving glucose from the bloodstream into muscles and other tissues.\u201d<\/p>\nCan just a few bad nights make a difference?<\/h3>\n
![\"insulin](\"https:\/\/images.indianexpress.com\/2026\/06\/sleep-deprivation.jpg\")
Fragmented sleep can impair insulin sensitivity even when total sleep duration appears adequate (Image: Freepik)<\/span><\/p>\n