Analysis of sleep quality and related factors in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Year 2025, Volume: 15 Issue: 1, 76 - 82, 28.03.2025

Elif Serap Esen , Güzin Zeren Öztürk

https://doi.org/10.33808/clinexphealthsci.1442009

Abstract

Objective: Diabetes Mellitus is one of the most common diseases which affects life quality. The aim of the study was to examine sleep quality and sleeping related factors in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM).
Methods: An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted between 01.09.2018-01.12.2018 in Sisli Hamidiye Etfal Research and Training Hospital. Sleep quality was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire. Moreover, we used Patient Health Questionaire-9 (PHQ-9) scale to diagnose depression degree.
Results: The study included 227 individuals with T2DM, with a mean age of 60.26 ± 9.13 years, 59.5% of whom were female. The mean disease duration was 10.46 ± 7.65 years, and 70% had accompanying hypertension. Poor sleep quality (PSQI ≥ 6) was identified in 54.2% of participants, with significantly poorer sleep quality observed in females, obese individuals, unemployed participants, and those with diabetes-related complications such as neuropathy and retinopathy (p < .05). Although no significant correlation was found between PSQI and glycemic control markers (HbA1c or fasting blood glucose), participants with higher levels of these markers tended to report poorer sleep. Depression severity (PHQ-9) was strongly associated with poor sleep quality (p < .001), with higher scores observed in females, low-income and unemployed participants, obese individuals, and those with diabetes-related complications.
Conclusion: This study underscores the high prevalence of sleep disturbances among individuals with T2DM, with factors such as female gender, obesity, unemployment, hypertension, and diabetes-related complications like neuropathy and retinopathy significantly impairing sleep quality. The bidirectional relationship between poor sleep and depression highlights the need for integrated mental health support in diabetes care. Although no significant correlations were found between sleep quality and glycemic markers, trends suggest a potential link, warranting further research.

Keywords

Diabetes Mellitus, Sleep Disorders, Quality of Life, Diabetic Neuropathy, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index

Ethical Statement

This study was approved by Ethics Board of Sisli Hamidiye Etfal Health Application and Research Center (HARC) (Approval date: 07.08.2018; Number: 2064)

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