Understanding sleep in persons with diabetes

Restorative sleep is as essential for well-being as proper diet or exercise in persons with type 2 diabetes. However, sleep disorders such as insomnia, restless leg syndrome/ periodic leg movements, and obstructive sleep apnea increase in prevalence with age and are very common in persons with type 2 diabetes. Disrupted sleep may result in weight gain. increased insulin resistance, and decreased daytime functioning. Although sleep disturbances have a major influence on health and quality of life, diagnosis and treatment can reduce their negative effects. Diabetes educators are pivotal in patient assessment, management, teaching. and collaborating with the primary health care provider to deliver holistic management of the patient with diabetes. This article will provide diabetes educators with various strategies for assessing sleep, including an easy 8- item questionnaire that can be used in the clinical setting. In addition, interventions to improve sleep hygiene that can be easily implemented by diabetes educators will be described.