Perceptions of Emerging Adults With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus on How the Condition Influences Sleep Quality: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: Emerging adulthood is a phase characterized by exploration which potentially affecting sleep quality. While many emerging adults are healthy, the effects of chronic diseases such as Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) on sleep may be underestimated. Considering the frequency of nocturnal glycemic alterations that cause awakenings, this study explored the perceptions of emerging adults in Andalusia on the influence of T1DM on their sleep quality. Methods: A qualitative approach was used for this study. Purposive sampling through diabetes associations was initially utilized, supplemented by snowball sampling, in order to conduct semistructured interviews with 73 emerging adults (aged 18–29) diagnosed with T1DM, to explore their perceptions of the influence of T1DM on sleep quality. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used for data analysis. Results: Sleep disruptions caused by overnight hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia were identified as significant factors. However, 62% of participants did not perceive the influence of diabetes on their sleep quality, despite experiencing frequent overnight glycemic alterations (reported by 40.9%). Conclusions: Perception of the impact of T1DM on sleep quality does not always align with the frequency of disruptions. Nonetheless, promoting healthy sleep and systematically assessing sleep quality can benefit both sleep and glycemic outcomes, regardless of individual perceptions.