JES: Longer Sleep May Increase the Risk of Kidney Damage in People with Diabetes

The researchers analyzed data from 678 people with type 2 diabetes who were followed for approximately six years. They assessed the participants’ sleep duration and monitored the development of diabetic nephropathy, a condition in which elevated blood sugar levels gradually damage the kidneys.

The results showed that diabetic nephropathy was more likely to develop or progress in people who generally slept longer. The association was particularly pronounced among older participants and patients who already showed signs of impaired kidney function.

These signs include the presence of small amounts of protein in the urine and a reduced ability of the kidneys to filter blood. According to the researchers, diabetic nephropathy affects approximately 30–40% of people with diabetes and can lead to kidney failure in severe cases.

The scientists suggest that longer sleep may not directly cause kidney damage but could instead be a sign of other health problems that increase the risk of diabetes-related complications.

The authors emphasize that the study was observational and does not prove that longer sleep directly harms the kidneys. Therefore, these findings should not be taken as a reason to reduce sleep duration.