Comorbid obstructive sleep apnea and insomnia and its associations with mood and diabetes-related distress in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Abstract

Previous research suggests that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and insomnia frequently coexist and are prevalent in persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study compared mood and diabetes-related distress among OSA, insomnia, and comorbid OSA and insomnia groups in persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A secondary analysis was conducted with baseline data from 2 independent randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of OSA and insomnia treatment. The pooled sample (n = 224) included participants with OSA only (n = 68 [30.4%]), insomnia only (n = 107 [47.8%]), and OSA and insomnia (OSA+insomnia; n = 49 [21.9%]). OSA was defined as an apnea-hypopnea index ≥ 15 events/h; insomnia was defined as an Insomnia Severity Index score ≥ 15. Mood was measured by the Profile of Mood States total and subscale scores; diabetes-related distress was assessed by the Problem Areas in Diabetes questionnaire. One-way analysis of covariance and multivariate analysis of covariance were conducted, controlling for demographic characteristics and restless legs syndrome. The insomnia group had on average significantly higher scores for total mood disturbance (insomnia vs OSA = 45.32 vs 32.15, P = .049), tension-anxiety (insomnia vs OSA = 12.64 vs 9.47, P = .008), and confusion-bewilderment (insomnia vs OSA = 9.45 vs 7.46, P = .036) than the OSA group. The OSA+insomnia group had on average significantly greater diabetes-related distress than the OSA group (OSA+insomnia vs OSA = 40.61 vs 30.97, P = .036). Insomnia may have greater impact on mood disturbance and diabetes-related distress than OSA in persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus. In particular, comorbid insomnia may contribute to greater diabetes-related distress in persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus and OSA. Jeon B, Luyster FS, Sereika SM, DiNardo MM, Callan JA, Chasens ER. Comorbid obstructive sleep apnea and insomnia and its associations with mood and diabetes-related distress in type 2 diabetes mellitus. J Clin Sleep Med. 2022;18(4):1103-1111.