Insulin resistance and sleep complains in ten years follow-up

Abstract

Abstract Background The serious health consequence that comes from disrupted and poor sleep quality is an increased risk for cardiac diseases and diabetes. The goal was to investigate the association of insulin resistance with sleep complains in ten years follow-up. Methods A randomized epidemiological follow up study with 835 subjects: 300 (35.9%) men and 535 (64.1%) women was performed in 2003 and in 2013. The Basic Nordic Sleep Questionnaire was used to assess the frequency of sleep complaints in the first and the follow up survey. Insulin resistance was evaluated by homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). The contingent was divided into 2 groups: insulin resistance group (HOMA-IR> 2.7) 33% and No- insulin resistance group (HOMA-IR ≤2.7) 67%. Results A statistically significantly increased number of persons with diabetes mellitus and high body mass index was seen in both groups after 10-year period; however, in insulin resistance group an increase was more expressed. A statistically significant change of sleep complains after 10-year period was seen in insulin resistance group; while in no-insulin resistance group there were no significant modifications. Individuals with insulin resistance were more likely to complain of difficulty falling asleep (from 11.2% to 17.8%, p = 0.031) and early wake up in the morning (from 12.6% to 24.5%, p = 0.003) after 10-year period. Daytime sleepiness was also more frequently observed among persons with insulin resistance (from 9.0% to 14.7, p = 0.037). They were more likely to use sleeping pills (from 4.0% to 8.3%, p = 0.034) and, not surprisingly, were more likely to use alcohol to improve sleep (from 1.1% to 4.4%, p = 0.012). Conclusions A statistically significant increase in body mass index and diabetes as well as difficulty to fall asleep, early waking up in the morning, severe drowsiness in the morning and daytime sleepiness was found in ten years follow-up in insulin resistance group. Key messages A statistically significant increase of sleep complains after ten years follow-up was seen in insulin resistance group. Insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome in parallel with disturbed sleep may lead to the development of diabetes in follow-up.