Early birds have better sleep quality and emotional well-being in T1 Diabetes

What was found: 

• Ninety-five patients with a mean age of 38 years (range 18–70) and an average body mass index (BMI) of 24.4 Kg/m2 participated in the study (52.6% were males). 
• Among the total, The Intermediate chronotype was predominant with 56 of the participants (55%).
• Poor quality of sleep was found in 67.4% of the sample, excessive daytime sleepiness in 14.7%, depressive symptoms in 6.3% by PHQ9, and low perception of well-being by IWHO-5 in 16.8%.
• When compared with the other chronotypes evening chronotype scored worse in sleep quality (p = 0.05) and had lower well-being (p = 0.03). 
• Higher MEQ values (morningness) correlated with lower height (p = 0.043), lower values in the PSQI (p = 0.021); and higher values in emotional well-being (p = 0.040).

Thus, the morning chronotype had a significant correlation with better sleep quality and higher scores in emotional well-being.

Key takeaways: 

• The intermediate chronotype was the most common in T1DM.
• Two-thirds reported poor sleep quality and 14.7% indicated excessive daytime drowsiness. 6.3% had a possible diagnosis of a depressive condition, and 16.8% had a poor self-perception of emotional well-being. 
• The morning chronotype was associated with improved sleep quality and higher emotional well-being ratings. 

Further reading: Valiensi SM, Folgueira AL, Diez JJ, et al. Is Being a Lark Healthier for Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus? Sleep Sci. 2023;16(1):75-83. Published 2023 Apr 19. doi: 10.1055/s-0043-1767749