Research Suggests Sleep Quality is Important Factor in Managing Diabetes
NEW YORK, Aug. 25, 2020 – While it is no secret that teenagers as a whole do not get enough sleep, lack of sleep can be even more problematic for those with diabetes, according to a new research study published in the Journal of Pediatric Health Care.
The research revealed that sleep variability was related to stress and depressive symptoms, as well as more glucose variability. Consistent rest-activity rhythm timing was associated with fewer trait anxiety symptoms. Robust rhythms were linked to better diabetes self-management.
“Quality sleep is a critical element to self-management of type 1 diabetes that often goes unnoticed,” said lead author Kaitlyn Rechenberg, PhD, MPH, APRN
The researchers studied 68 children ages 10-16 with type 1 diabetes for at least six months, including school and summer vacation periods. More than two-thirds of these youths reported short sleep duration (less than eight hours of sleep per night). Those with short sleep duration were associated with insulin resistance and impaired glucose metabolism. Additionally, poor sleep was shown to be associated with more depressive symptoms.
“Improving sleep quality in teenagers may be a potential therapeutic target to improve diabetes outcomes,” said Dr.
Rechenberg.
Also contributing to this study was Stephanie Griggs, PhD, RN, Sangchoon Jeon, PhD, Nancy Redeker, PhD, RN, FAHA, FAAN, Henry Klar Yaggi, MD, MPH and Margaret Grey, DrPH, RN, FAAN.
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The National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) is the nation’s only professional association for pediatric-focused advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) dedicated to improving the quality of health care for infants, children, adolescents and young adults. Representing more than 9,000 healthcare practitioners with 18 special interest groups and 53 chapters, NAPNAP has been advocating for children’s health since 1973 and was the first APRN society in the U.S. Our mission is to empower pediatric-focused advanced practice registered nurses and key partners to optimize child and family health. www.NAPNAP.org
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Justin T. Worsley
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