Sleep disturbance in people with diabetes: A concept analysis

Aims and objectives To clarify the meaning of sleep disturbance in people with diabetes and examine its antecedents, attributes and consequences through concept analysis. Background Sleep is crucial for health, and people with diabetes are frequently beset with disturbances in their sleep. The concept of sleep disturbance in people with diabetes has not been clearly defined. The inconsistent use of sleep disturbance has created confusion and impeded our understanding of the sleep in people with diabetes. This analysis will provide a conceptual foundation of sleep disturbance in diabetes, thereby facilitating more effective means for assessment and treatment. Design Concept analysis. Methods A systematic search without time restriction on the publication year was carried out using PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. Rodgers's method of evolutionary concept analysis guided the analysis. Inductive thematic analysis was conducted to identify the attributes, antecedents and consequences. Results Based on the 26 eligible studies, two major attributes are that sleep disturbance is a symptom and is characterised by impaired sleep quality and/or abnormal sleep duration. Two antecedents are diabetes‐related physiological change and psychological well‐being. Sleep disturbance can result in impaired daytime functioning, glucose regulation and quality of life. Conclusions Defining the concept of sleep disturbance in people with diabetes facilitates consistent use and effective communication in both practice and research. Sleep disturbance in people with diabetes is a complex symptom that includes impaired sleep quality and/or abnormal sleep duration. This paper contributes to the current knowledge of sleep in people with diabetes. Future research on antecedents and consequences of sleep disturbance is necessary for further clarifications. Relevance to clinical practice Findings from this paper underscore the need for nursing education, clinical assessment and effective management of sleep disturbance in people with diabetes.