Cross-Sectional Analysis of Sleep Duration, Stress Perception, and Blood Glucose Variability Among Urban Adults

Abstract

Background: Urbanization has profoundly influenced human health by altering sleep behavior, increasing psychological stress, and contributing to metabolic disturbances. Poor sleep and heightened stress perception are emerging determinants of impaired glucose regulation, yet limited evidence exists on their combined effects among urban adults in South Asia.

Objective: To investigate how sleep quality and perceived stress levels correlate with fasting glucose and HbA1c patterns in adults living in metropolitan environments.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over four months among 100 urban adults residing in Lahore, Pakistan. Participants aged 25–55 years without diagnosed diabetes or metabolic disorders were included through convenience sampling. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and perceived stress was evaluated using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Fasting blood glucose and HbA1c were measured through standard laboratory methods. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, t-tests, ANOVA, and multiple regression analyses were applied using SPSS version 26, with significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: The mean age of participants was 38.6 ± 8.4 years, with 52% males and 48% females. The average sleep duration was 6.3 ± 1.4 hours, and 64% had poor sleep quality (PSQI > 5). A significant negative correlation was found between sleep duration and fasting glucose (r = –0.34, p = 0.001) as well as HbA1c (r = –0.29, p = 0.004). Perceived stress showed positive correlations with fasting glucose (r = 0.37, p < 0.001) and HbA1c (r = 0.32, p = 0.002). Regression analysis identified sleep duration (β = –0.28, p = 0.006) and stress (β = 0.31, p = 0.004) as independent predictors of fasting glucose.

Conclusion: Shorter sleep duration and higher perceived stress were significantly associated with increased fasting glucose and HbA1c levels among urban adults. These findings emphasize the importance of addressing sleep hygiene and stress management as integral components of metabolic health promotion in urban populations.