The contribution of modern 24-hour society to the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus: the role of insufficient sleep

Epidemiological studies since 1980 have shown significant increases in the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The public health burden generated by the growing prevalence of T2DM, which, in its fully developed form, is a lifelong illness, has been associated with further social and economic costs in affected countries. Recent studies have suggested that chronic sleep insufficiency or disrupted or poor quality sleep could contribute to the development of T2DM. Although many research findings have now shown that sleep plays a key role in glucose metabolism, the full implications of these findings have not been translated into clinical programs for improving patients' sleep quality as a means for addressing the treatment of T2DM. The purpose of this brief overview is to focus on the clinical significance of sleep in the onset and treatment of T2DM. We suggest here that physician education should emphasize the importance of sufficient sleep for overall health, including the management of T2DM, and that steps should be taken to incorporate this perspective into clinical practice. The promotion of sleep hygiene techniques as a clinical intervention could improve the regulation of glucose metabolism and thus the longevity of T2DM patients. Moreover, it may prevent secondary complications accruing from the illness and consequently reduce the significant medical costs of treating T2DM patients.