In the press release, the researchers point out that it has been known for some time now that people who don't sleep enough and, for instance, shift workers, have an increased risk of becoming obese and developing diabetes type 2. Not sleeping enough also increases your risk of stroke and heart disease.
However, the reason behind why this is the case has not been clear until now.
"This study helps us understand the mechanisms behind how these are connected, and how important your daily sleep and wake rhythm is, for instance when it comes to shift work," explains Dr Morten Engstrøm. Engstrøm works as a sleep researcher at the Institute for Neuro-Medicine at NTNU, as well senior consultant at St. Olav Hospital in Trondheim, Norway.
