Sleep Duration in Women With Previous Gestational Diabetes

The Effect of Sleep Extension on Glucose Metabolism in Women With Previous Diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes

Women with a history of gestational diabetes (GDM) are at high risk of developing diabetes in the future. Sleep disturbances are emerging as risk factors for incident diabetes. The purpose of this study is to test the effects of 6-week sleep extension in women with a history of GDM and short sleep on glucose metabolism by randomized controlled study.

The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of a sleep extension intervention in non-diabetic women with a prior history of GDM and habitual short sleep duration on the outcomes of glucose metabolism. The participants will be randomized to a 6-week sleep extension intervention group, using technology-assisted sleep intervention, or a healthy living information control group. Glucose metabolism parameters will be assessed by an oral glucose tolerant test.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Premenopausal women, age 18-45, with a history of GDM who currently do not have diabetes
• At least one year post-partum
• Reported habitual sleep duration <7h/night during work- or weekdays with a desire to sleep longer
• Reported time spent in bed =<8 hours
• Own a smartphone compatible with Fitbit.
• No need to provide care at night for her child(ren), defined as >3 times a week and >30 minutes at a time
• No history of obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, or restless leg syndrome

Exclusion Criteria:

• A1C ≥6.5%
• Currently pregnant or planning pregnancy or breast feeding
• Insomnia symptoms defined as severe as assessed by the Insomnia Severity Index (score ≥15)
• Rotating shift or night shift work
• High risk for obstructive sleep apnea screened by STOP BANG questionnaire.
• Significant medical morbidities, such as congestive heart failure, cirrhosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease requiring oxygen, active treatment for cancer or psychiatric problem, history of stroke with neurological deficits, cognitive impairment, kidney failure requiring dialysis, illicit drug use.