Friend or Foe: a Narrative Review of the Impact of Diabetes Technology on Sleep

• Published in: Current diabetes reports Vol. 22; no. 7; pp. 283 - 290
• Main Authors: Cobry, Erin C., Karami, Angela J., Meltzer, Lisa J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 01.07.2022; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Adult; Blood Glucose; Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring; Child; Closed loop systems; Diabetes; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 - drug therapy; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 - therapy; Glucose; Glucose monitoring; Humans; Hyperglycemia; Hypoglycemic Agents - therapeutic use; Insulin - therapeutic use; Insulin Infusion Systems - psychology; Insulin resistance; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Mental health; Pediatrics; Psychosocial Aspects (J Pierce; Section Editor; Sleep; Sleep deprivation; Technology; Topical Collection on Psychosocial Aspects; Hybrid closed-loop (HCL); Sleep; Insulin pump; Type 1 diabetes (T1D); Continuous glucose monitor (CGM)
• ISSN: 1534-4827; 1539-0829
• DOI: 10.1007/s11892-022-01468-x

Purpose of Review The purpose of this review is to present a review of sleep science, the relationship between sleep and type 1 diabetes, and highlight the current literature on sleep outcomes in adult and pediatric diabetes technology research. Recent Findings Sleep quality is associated with glycemic outcomes, diabetes self-management, and mental health in people with type 1 diabetes. Diabetes technologies, including insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitors, and hybrid closed-loop systems improve glycemic outcomes. However, many people find this technology challenging for a variety of reasons, including increased burden and frequent alarms, especially during the night. The impact of different devices on sleep quality and quantity has been mixed. The newest technology, the hybrid closed-loop systems, offers the best opportunity for nocturnal glycemic regulation and has improved patient and family perspectives on sleep quality. However, objective sleep assessment has not shown significant improvement on sleep duration. Summary Sleep quality and quantity in people with type 1 diabetes are widely recognized as an important component of health care, and the literature regarding the impact of diabetes devices on sleep is increasing. However, sleep disruptions are common and a barrier to device use. Despite finding minimal changes to sleep duration with device use, subjective accounts of sleep quality are overall positive, especially in those using hybrid closed-loop systems. Sleep quantity and quality are important outcomes to consider as diabetes technology continues to evolve.