Researchers at the ENDO 2026 conference warned that long daytime naps may significantly increase the risk of fatty liver disease in people with type 2 diabetes.
Scientists pointed out that fatty liver disease is one of the most common chronic diseases among diabetic patients, and it results from an excessive accumulation of fat inside liver cells. To find out the factors that increase the risk of developing this disease, they analyzed data from nearly 1,900 adult patients with type 2 diabetes, and assessed their sleep habits during the period between 2017 and 2024.
During a follow-up period of more than three years, 379 participants were diagnosed with fatty liver disease, and the results revealed that people who habitually took daytime naps exceeding 30 minutes were more likely to develop fatty liver disease, even those who enjoyed good nighttime sleep.
The greatest risk was for those who combined poor nighttime sleep with long daytime naps, as their likelihood of developing the disease increased more than three times compared to others.
Researchers point out that sleep is a controllable lifestyle factor, and advise type 2 diabetics to review their sleep habits and avoid prolonged daytime rest periods to reduce the risk of liver problems.
A recent study also showed that frequent daytime sleepiness may be an indicator of underlying health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, neurological deterioration, or sleep disorders.
