Abstract
The current chapter extensively examines the role of sleep health as both a risk and protective factor in relation to diabetes outcomes. It offers a comprehensive review of the existing literature, exploring how various aspects of sleep health, including duration, quality, sleep architecture (such as spindles, rapid eye movement sleep, and slow wave sleep), sleep disorders (such as insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea), and circadian rhythm, influence the likelihood of developing diabetes and its associated cardiometabolic complications, such as unhealthy glucose levels, poor glycemic control, insulin resistance, and elevated hemoglobin A1c levels. Conversely, we also highlight evidence suggesting that certain sleep parameters, when optimized, could potentially mitigate the risk of diabetes and related cardiometabolic outcomes. To provide a thorough understanding of the mechanisms underlying the relationship between sleep and diabetes, we draw upon a wide range of research and evidence, including epidemiological, observational, clinical trials, and experimental studies. By elucidating both the risk and protective effects of sleep health, this chapter aims to inform strategies for diabetes prevention and management in clinical practice and population health management.