Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the perceived facilitators and barriers for obtaining sufficient sleep in young adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D).
Methods: A qualitative descriptive approach was used to generate data. In-depth semi-structured interviews with 30 young adults with T1D (66.7% female, mean age = 22.1 years) were conducted. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded using NVivo.
Results: Young adults with T1D reported feeling challenged at bedtime and overnight by the demands of a complex disease management regimen. General and diabetes-specific barriers and facilitators to obtaining sufficient sleep were the overarching themes in the present study. Young adults perceived that electronic device use was a facilitator for relaxation before bed and a barrier to sleep by some participants. Delays in bedtime or disruptions in sleep were common diabetes-specific barriers.
Conclusions: When designing sleep-promoting interventions for young adults with T1D, researchers should consider diabetes-specific challenges and solutions in addition to those present in the general young adult population.