Sleep Debt Disrupts Metabolism and Hormone Function in Young Men
Does Chronic Sleep Restriction Disrupt Your Metabolism and Hormones?
Yes, and the effects are profound and measurable. This landmark study published in The Lancet demonstrated that sleep debt—chronic partial sleep restriction—significantly impairs glucose tolerance, reduces insulin sensitivity, and disrupts multiple hormone systems in healthy young men. The research showed that just one week of sleep restriction to 4 hours per night created metabolic and endocrine changes resembling those seen in aging and diabetes, revealing how sleep debt accelerates metabolic dysfunction.