Snoozing could treat type 2 diabetes by restricting oxygen during sleep

Researchers are now looking for volunteers to test whether sleeping in special tents leads to weight loss – previous evidence has shown that hypoxia – restricted oxygen – can reduce appetite and burn more calories in people with the condition

type 2 diabetes could be treated by restricting how much oxygen people breathe while they sleep.

Researchers are looking for volunteers to test whether sleeping in special tents leads to weight loss.

Previous evidence has shown that hypoxia — restricted oxygen — can reduce appetite and burn more calories in people with the condition.

Volunteers taking part in the study sleep in their homes in a tent set up by a team from the University of Portsmouth for two 10-day periods.

During one of the periods, the oxygen level is set at 15%, similar to passengers on an airplane or people living at high altitude.

Experts will monitor whether this improves blood sugar control. dr Ant Shepherd, a lecturer at the university’s School of Sport, Health and Exercise Science, said: “Type 2 diabetes is a common condition that leads to high blood sugar levels.

For many people, it’s a long-term condition that can put them at higher risk for complications like heart disease.

“With the number of people with type 2 diabetes expected to reach 700 million by 2045, it is vital that we find other successful interventions to treat the disease.”

Volunteers will be asked to wear smart monitors, keep a food diary and provide blood, urine and stool samples. They will also have body composition scans and their blood sugar levels tested.

Contestant Janet Rennell-Smyth said: “It doesn’t feel claustrophobic and once you get used to the noise of the machine, it doesn’t feel any different.”