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Combined vitamin D and calcium supplementation improves sleep quality in individuals with prediabetes

In a 24-week RCT involving 212 Chinese adults with prediabetes, the vitamin D plus calcium group showed a significant reduction in total PSQI score compared to pre-intervention levels. Subgroup analyses also found improved sleep quality with calcium alone in women, those with low baseline 25(OH)D (<30 ng/mL), and menopausal individuals.

Last updated: Aug 26, 2026•1 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score48/100
Human RCT★★☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Effects of vitamin D and/or calcium intervention on sleep quality in individuals with prediabetes: a post hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial.

observational

Miao Y, Zhang L, Zhang D, Feng M, Zhang C, Zhao T, Song H, Zhong X, Jiang Z, Li L, Wei X, Li W, Li X · European journal of nutrition (2024)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 24 weeks
Intervention: Vitamin D (1600 IU/day) plus calcium (500 mg/day), vitamin D alone (1600 IU/day), calcium alone (500 mg/day), or placebo
Outcome: Sleep quality measured by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) total score and sleep efficiency subscore
Effect Size: N/A (only P values reported; significant difference in PSQI for combined group vs pre-intervention, and P<0.05 for calcium subgroup effects)
Population: 212 Chinese adults with prediabetes

Result:

PubMed: 38366270DOI: 10.1007/s00394-024-03345-7

Mechanism Graph

Calcium and vitamin D may influence sleep-regulating neurotransmitters and melatonin synthesis
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Improved insulin sensitivity and beta cell function (correlation with sleep efficiency changes)
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Reduction in inflammation or metabolic disturbances associated with prediabetes
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Result: Improved sleep quality as measured by PSQI

Limitations

  • ⚠Post hoc analysis of an RCT, not a pre-specified primary outcome
  • ⚠Single ethnic group (Chinese) limits generalizability
  • ⚠Short duration (24 weeks) and no long-term follow-up
  • ⚠Subgroup analyses were exploratory and may be underpowered

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the main finding of this study?▼

The study found that combined vitamin D and calcium supplementation, as well as calcium alone in certain subgroups, improved sleep quality in individuals with prediabetes, as measured by the PSQI.

Who might benefit most from calcium supplementation for sleep?▼

Subgroup analyses suggested that women, individuals with low baseline vitamin D levels (<30 ng/mL), and those in menopause showed significant improvements in sleep quality with calcium supplementation.

How was sleep quality measured in this trial?▼

Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), a validated self-report questionnaire that evaluates sleep patterns and disturbances over the past month.

What is the relevance of this study for people with prediabetes?▼

Since poor sleep is common in prediabetes and may worsen metabolic health, this study suggests that vitamin D and calcium supplementation could be a simple intervention to improve sleep quality in this population.

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References

  1. 1.Miao Y, Zhang L, Zhang D, Feng M, Zhang C, Zhao T, Song H, Zhong X, Jiang Z, Li L, Wei X, Li W, Li X. "Effects of vitamin D and/or calcium intervention on sleep quality in individuals with prediabetes: a post hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial.." European journal of nutrition, 2024. PMID: 38366270 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-024-03345-7
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.