Study Links Longer Sleep Duration to Increased Kidney Disease Risk in Type 2 Diabetes
People with type 2 diabetes who sleep longer may face an increased risk of developing or experiencing worsening diabetic kidney disease, according to a study published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society.
Diabetic kidney disease, also known as diabetic nephropathy, occurs when prolonged diabetes damages the kidneys. It affects approximately 30% to 40% of people with diabetes and is associated with an increased risk of kidney failure and cardiovascular complications.
Researchers studied 678 Japanese adults with type 2 diabetes and followed them for approximately six years to examine the relationship between habitual sleep duration and kidney health.
The findings revealed that longer sleep duration was associated with a higher risk of developing or experiencing worsening diabetic kidney disease during the follow-up period.
The association was particularly evident among older adults and individuals who already had signs of kidney damage, including microalbuminuria, which refers to increased albumin levels in urine, or reduced kidney function.
Researchers suggested that longer sleep duration could serve as a potential indicator of underlying health vulnerabilities and help identify people with diabetes who may require closer monitoring of their kidney health.
However, the study does not establish that sleeping longer directly causes kidney disease. As an observational study, it cannot determine whether extended sleep contributes to kidney damage or reflects existing health problems that increase the risk of complications.
Longer sleep duration may be associated with other health conditions or existing complications that could influence kidney function. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms underlying this relationship.
Further studies involving larger and more diverse populations are needed to confirm the association and determine whether sleep duration can help predict kidney disease progression.
Meanwhile, people with diabetes should continue regular kidney health assessments and follow medical advice regarding blood glucose management, blood pressure control and healthy sleep habits.
REFERENCE: Fuki Ikeda, et al.; Longer sleep duration and the incidence and progression of diabetic nephropathy: a prospective cohort study, Journal of the Endocrine Society, 2026, https://doi.org/10.1210/jendso/bvag201
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