Quality of Sleep
Anyone taking steps to better manage their diabetes knows the importance of blood glucose monitoring, a balanced diet and physical activity. In contrast, the importance of sleep can be underestimated as we navigate through our increasingly busy and stressful lives. This is a mistake. Sleep, especially good quality sleep, is critical for diabetes self-management.
What is meant by good quality sleep?
Good quality sleep usually involves:
• Falling asleep within 30 minutes.
• Waking up no more than once.
• Spending no more than 20 minutes awake after initially falling asleep.
• Spending 85% or more of total sleep time in bed.
• Feeling satisfied with sleep.
Poor quality or excess sleep is referred to as “sub-optimal sleep.” Sleep quality is also determined by the stages of sleep, which are:
