Diabetes is a medical condition in which the body is unable to process sugars effectively. A 2012 study found a direct relationship between diabetes and sleep disturbances. The study also suggested that managing the symptoms of issues related to diabetes was beneficial to sleeping better. The following is our list of six reasons why people with diabetes have trouble getting a good night’s sleep.
- Low sugar symptoms. When your sugar levels are low, your sleep could be disturbed by the associated symptoms that include shaking, sweating, and dizziness.
- Excessive thirst. Elevated glucose levels also cause water to be drawn from tissues. This causes you to wake up to drink water as you experience a feeling of dehydration.
- Frequent Urination. High levels of sugar in the blood can cause you to wake up frequently to urinate.
- Restless leg syndrome. This disorder increases the urge to move your legs constantly. Commonly seen in the evening hours, it can lead to trouble falling and staying asleep. High blood glucose levels and kidney problems, often seen in people with diabetes, are risk factors for restless leg syndrome.
- Insomnia. Due to high blood sugar levels, people with diabetes often have recurrent trouble falling asleep. Tossing and turning all night long is not uncommon for diabetics. High-stress levels, along with diabetes, can increase your risk of insomnia.
- Sleep apnea. This sleep disorder commonly seen in diabetics occurs when breathing stops and starts frequently throughout the night. People who have type 2 diabetes are at a higher risk for sleep apnea as they often tend to carry excess weight. Symptoms include snoring at night and a feeling of tiredness throughout the day. While controlling your body weight can reduce symptoms, special medical masks worn to sleep enable you to breathe better.
Sometimes a little discipline and following a few tips could help you get better sleep. These could include:
- Keeping distractions like cell phones away
- Using white noise to help you sleep
- Stay away from alcohol at bedtime
- Avoid caffeinated beverages and stimulants
- Try to sleep at relatively the same time every day
Consult your doctor for persistent sleep disorders that don’t improve. Higher intake of food caused by a lack of sleep leads to elevated glucose levels and further complications. Managing your sugar levels and food intake well is the best way to break the cycle of these disorders.
