Poor sleep negatively affects metabolism, impairing glucose tolerance and increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Findings from a recent study indicate that HIIT compensates for the harmful effects of sleep loss on glucose tolerance.

Researchers assigned 24 healthy young men to one of three five-night sleep protocols: normal sleep (eight hours nightly), sleep restriction (four hours nightly), and sleep restriction with HIIT. Researchers collected muscle biopsies to assess muscle protein synthesis before and after the intervention.

They found that the group with sleep restriction experienced marked reductions in glucose tolerance, mitochondrial respiratory function, and sarcoplasmic protein synthesis. They also experienced altered diurnal skin temperature rhythms. However, sleep-restricted participants who engaged in HIIT did not experience these disturbances.

The sarcoplasm is the cytoplasm of muscle cells. Sarcoplasmic protein synthesis is crucial for muscle growth, repair, and maintenance, contributing to overall muscle health and function.

This study was small, but the findings suggest that sleep restriction impairs metabolic function, circadian rhythmicity, and muscle protein synthesis. However, engaging in HIIT during periods of sleep restriction helps counter these effects. Learn more about the benefits of HIIT in this episode featuring Dr. Martin Gibala.