So why is sleep so necessary? The National Institutes of Health say that we need sleep to think and react quickly. Research has shown that brains that are well-rested are much better at problem solving, while other studies revealed that lack of sleep can cause people to make bad decisions and take on more risks.

The Harvard Nurses’ Health Study has reported that insignificant or irregular sleep may cause an increased risk for colon cancer, breast cancer, heart disease or diabetes. Other research groups throughout the country have also found evidence that insufficient sleep  affects important hormones and proteins that have a part in these diseases.

The National Sleep Foundation reports that just 28 percent of Americans regularly get eight hours of sleep. This is down from 38 percent in 2001. It was also found that 2 in 10 sleep less than six hours a night.

It is estimated by the National Institutes of Health that around 70 million Americans are troubled by a chronic sleep disorder or intermittent sleep problem.

Sleep Savvy Magazine says that if it takes you less than 5 minutes to fall asleep at night, you might be sleep-deprived. Ideally, it should take you 10-15 minutes to fall asleep at night – tired enough to fall asleep at night but not sleepy during the day.

Mark Opp says that we are staying up later and working longer hours. Many of us have to commute to work. Because of all this, we are sleeping less than what our biological need calls for. It is getting clearer from many large studies, that our lack of sleep is becoming harmful to our health.

Here are some tips for more better sleep:

1. Try to maintain a regular bedtime and wake-up schedule, even on the weekends or on vacation.

2. Create a regular, relaxing bedtime regimen, like taking a relaxing bath, and then reading or listening to calming music.

3. Foster an atmosphere that is favorable to sleeping where it is dark, cool, quiet and comfortable.

4. Make sure your mattress and pillows are comfortable.

5. Stop eating 2-3 hours before you go to bed.

6. Get regular exercise. Exercising in the late afternoon can help you fall asleep better at night.

7. Try to avoid alcohol, caffeine and nicotine close to bedtime.

One way to know if you have it for sure is to spend the night in a sleep lab. There you are hooked up to electrodes that evaluate your breathing. When people with sleep disorders snore, many physiological things take place. Blood pressure rises, oxygen and blood flow decrease, and heart irregularities are happen. Obviously, this is not a good night’s sleep. During the day, people having sleep apnea tend to have trouble with attentiveness and memory.

So what does all this have to do with diabetes? Diabetes and sleep apnea seem to be linked in certain ways. First of all, excess fat around the midriff is a risk for both diabetes and sleep apnea. People who have apple shapes or more fat cells in the upper body have different health effects than fat cells in the hips and thighs.

Then there is insulin resistance syndrome. It is a condition that is commonly found in people with diabetes as well as people with OSA. When breathing is too shallow, hormones are increased in the body causing blood sugar levels to raise and cause the body to not process excess blood sugar properly.

Another condition called neuropathy-nerve damage- frequently associated with diabetes, is also rampant in people with obstructive sleep apnea.

So what can you do to improve your odds of getting one of these problems or treat the ones you already have? Losing weight, avoid sleeping on your back, get at least 6 to 7 hours of sleep nightly, and avoid alcohol and other medications that may interfere with sleep are all ways that will help.

To summarize, sleep apnea may induce diabetes and vice versa. The good news is that the treatment of one may amend the aftermath of the other. As an example, a beneficial treatment for sleep apnea-Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, or CPAP-can also assist in controlling blood sugar levels by increasing more oxygen to the body.