SHASHWAT GUPTA RAY
A chronic issue of poor sleep quality has been found among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus, with key contributing factors including older age, excess body weight, longer diabetes duration and the presence of health conditions, shows a study by Goa Medical College (GMC).
Patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) often experience reduced quality of life due to various clinical effects. Among these effects, sleep disturbances present a significant challenge, as type 2 DM individuals struggle to maintain healthy sleep patterns due to the physiological imbalances.
“This study aimed to estimate the proportion of poor sleep quality and to study factors associated with poor sleep quality among the study population. A hospital‑based cross sectional study was conducted in the Rural Health and Training Center, Mandur, Goa. Participants were type 2 DM patients recruited using systematic random sampling,” the study stated.
The study titled ‘A study of sleep quality and associated factors amongstType II diabetes mellitus patients in a rural hospital in Goa’, has been co-authored by Vanita G Pinto Da Silva, Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine GMC and Dr Ronald Robin. It has been published in the ‘Indian Journal of Community Medicine’.
Among the 200 participants, 139 (69.5%) were male, and 61 (30.5%) were female. The mean age was 52 years. The overall proportion of poor sleep quality was 120 (60%). Age, sex, duration of diabetes, Body mass index (BMI) and presence of other co‑morbidities were significantly associated with poor sleep quality. A significant proportion of type 2 DM patients experienced poor sleep quality, indicatingthe importance of integrating sleep hygiene into their care to enhance disease management and overall well‑being.
“The proportion of poor sleep quality in this study was found to be 120 (60%). The majority of study participants with poor sleep quality were above 50 years old. There was a significant association between age and poor sleep quality, as found in other studies. Aging brings changes in sleep patterns, such as a decrease in deep sleep, more frequent nighttime awakenings, and a higher risk of sleep disorders like insomnia and sleep apnea,” the study stated.
Additionally, older adults are more prone to chronic conditions such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and neuropathy, all of which can lead to discomfort and disrupted sleep.
“Most of the study participants 117 (58.5%) had otherco-morbidities, particularly hypertension and dyslipidemiaand had a significant association. Chronic conditions can worsen diabetes‑relatedcomplications and disrupt sleep. Fluctuating blood pressurelevels at night can lead to frequent awakenings, reducing sleepefficiency. Furthermore, some medications used to manage these conditions, may have side effects that negatively affect sleep patterns,” the study revealed.
Additionally, uncontrolled diabetes can lead to frequent urination atnight, further contributing to sleep disturbances.
Despite its significant impact on overall health, sleep quality remains an often‑overlooked aspect of diabetes care. Integrating sleep hygiene education and targeted interventions into routine diabetes management could significantly improve patient outcomes.
“Healthcare professionals should actively screen diabetic patients for sleep disturbances and offer tailored interventions such as cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia, weight management programmes, medication adjustments and lifestyle modifications that promote regular physical activity and stressreduction. Addressing sleep issues in diabetes care has thepotential to improve blood sugar control, enhance treatment adherence and boost overall well‑being,” the study stated.
date: 2026-02-08 06:06:00