Sleeping in the dark helps fight diabetes and obesity
Sleeping well is very important to be healthy. Sleeping in total darkness is even more important. This is demonstrated by a recent study published in the Journal of Pineal Research.
Indeed, scientists from the University of Granada in Spain, in collaboration with the University of Texas (San Antonio, USA) and the La Paz University Hospital in Madrid, Spain, have conducted several studies(1) on the effects of melatonin release on diseases, including diabetes and obesity.
The sleep hormone in connection with diabetes and obesity
Melatonin, or sleep hormone, is known as the central hormone regulating chronobiological rhythms, being synthesized especially at night. It regulates many hormonal secretions in humans and all mammals. Microbes and various plants also produce melatonin(2).
The study involvedregularly injectingmelatonin into rats with diabetes comparable to type 2 diabetes in humans. It appears that melatonin is able to improve oxygen consumption, helps reduce free radical stress levels, and therefore prevents the destruction of the mitochondrial membrane. It would therefore help reduce diabetes and obesity.
But to have a good production of melatonin, you have to have good sleep cycles. Professor Ahmad AGIL, lead researcher in this study, points out that the problems of overweight and type 2 diabetes in developed countries are favored bya sedentary lifestyle, an increase inhigh-calorie food, and excessiveexposure to artificial light, which reduces endogenous levels of melatonin.
Disturbed sleep cycles? Sleep in total darkness
Professor AGIL specifies that melatonin is a natural substance, so it works as a hormonal signal released during the night to induct circadian rhythms.
However, these cycles are very often disrupted. Indeed, many people sleep with the television on, a bedside lamp on, electronic devices in operation, such as a computer, or simply with the blinds open.
Melatonin is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, so it has a protective effect on metabolism. This is why it is very important tosleep in total darkness inorder to promote the best production of melatonin.
Namely: Professor AGIL indicates that melatonin is also found in many foods such as spices, herbs, tea, coffee, dried fruits, seeds, as well as fruits and vegetables.
Stephen Paul is the lead author and founder of My Health Sponsor. Holder of a diploma in health and well-being coaching with more than 200 articles in the field of health, he makes it a point of honor to offer advice based on reliable information, based on scientific research, and verified by health professionals.