Relationship between sleepiness, physical activity, and functional outcomes in Iranian patients with type II diabetes

Sleepiness refers to drowsiness, feelings or strong will to sleep, and decreased functional outcomes. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between sleepiness, physical activity, and functional outcomes of sleep in Iranian patients with type II diabetes. In this cross-sectional study 220 outpatients with type II diabetes were selected through a simple sampling method in 2010. Data collection measures included a demographic questionnaire, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and the Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire. Physical activity was based on mean self-reported minutes walked per week; the American Diabetes Association''s recommendation of 150 minutes activity per week was used to dichotomize participants as sedentary or active. A total of 33.6 % of participants were sleepy. For physical activity, 72.6 % had a sedentary lifestyle. There was no significant relationship between physical activity and sleepiness. 57.7 % of subjects had functional outcomes of sleepiness scores greater or equal to 67. There was seen significant difference (p < 0.001) between functional outcomes and sleepiness. Although the majority of subjects were not sleepy. The mean score of functional outcomes in the non-sleepy group were higher than the sleepy group. It can be concluded that sleepiness is effective in decreasing functional outcomes. Although there is no significant correlation between sleepiness and physical activity; physical activity and exercise share an important part of peoples’ lives that can be affected by sleepiness. Sleepiness is considered as a major barrier in executing daily activities in patients with diabetes type II.