Exploration of the longitudinal associations between sleep behaviours, anthropometric measurements and body composition in adults with prediabetes

Sleep is essential for maintaining metabolic regulation. However, its associations with metabolic markers remain unclear, particularly in adults with prediabetes. This study aimed to examine the associations between sleep behaviours, anthropometric measures, and body composition markers in adults with prediabetes. This six-month longitudinal study involved 118 adults with prediabetes, recruited from healthcare clinic, who received dietary counselling. Data on socio-demographic, anthropometric measurements (height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist and hip circumferences) and body composition markers (total body water, total body fat percentage, fat free mass, fat mass, muscle mass, bone mass, visceral fat) were collected. Sleep behaviours were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Malay-translated Munich Chronotype Questionnaire (MCTQ). Participants had a mean age of 54 ± 15 y; 67% were female, and majority were overweight and obese (82%) at baseline. Across six-month follow-up, adjusted regression analyses showed that a later sleep midpoint was associated with greater changes in weight (β: 0.47 kg, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.86) while a later awake time was associated with greater reduction in fat free mass (β: -0.86 kg, 95%CI: -1.29, -0.43). This study identified significant associations between sleep behaviours, anthropometric measurements and body composition markers in adults with prediabetes. These results underscore the importance of considering sleep behaviours in future research and the development of targeted lifestyle interventions among prediabetic individuals. Clinical trials.gov identifier: NCT05163964.