Studies have revealed that people who consistently have a bad sleep are more like to have diabetes. The studies have shown that sleep can affect an individual’s blood sugar level. Lack of sleep increases the chance of an increase in blood sugar levels and the risk of diabetic issues.
Blood sugar and sleep problems
The quality of your sleep has a great impact on your sugar levels, and your blood sugar levels can affect the quality of your sleep. So, the question arises, how you can get a good sound sleep. This article will help you understand the link between sleep and type 2 diabetes as well as help you know the ways to deal with it.
Everyone requires good sleep. But it becomes more important if you have type 2 diabetes. Not getting enough sleep can have a direct impact on your blood sugar levels, a study suggests. In fact, according to Greg Faiman, an endocrinologist in Cleveland, sleep is equally essential as nutrition and exercise. Not getting an adequate amount of sleep will make your body release a hormone called cortisol. This hormone tends to reduce insulin resistance and increases the sugar level in the bloodstream.
Hyperglycemia or high blood sugar
Sleeplessness and restlessness can affect your mood and energy. It is a form of chronic stress on the body. Such stress on your body may result in high blood glucose levels or hyperglycemia. When the sugar level is high in your bloodstream, your kidneys will try to get rid of it by removing it from the body through urination. The urge to get out of the bed and go to the bathroom all night result in inconsistent sleep patterns. This can also disturb your sleep by waking you up thirsty. Hyperglycemia may also cause a feeling of warmness and irritability whole night.
Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar
Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar when to develop, you may also wake up during the night. Our body cells also require sugar to function properly. Sugar is also the main source of energy. Too low sugar levels can cause a variety of health issues within your central nervous system which can include:
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- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Blurred vision
- Nervousness
- Irritability
- Confusion
- Restlessness
- Nightmares
- Hunger
- Chills
- Weakness
- Headache
- Tingling or numbness in the mouth
- Anxiousness
- Sleepwalking
If you wake up during the night with these symptoms, check your glucose levels. A drop in the blood glucose levels can cause the release of hormones that help in regulating glucose levels. Such hormones include cortisol, glucagon, growth hormone, and adrenaline. These hormones work to stimulate the brain and are a natural signal to the brain.
Prefer eating oatmeal, whole grain bread, muffins, and other complex carbohydrates to keep blood sugar level normal throughout the night. These food items are not an only good option for maintaining the normal blood sugar level, but they are also beneficial in promoting sleep by increasing the level of serotonin in the brain.
Note that severe low blood glucose level can be life-threatening, it can sometimes be called as insulin shock. The condition can result in loss of consciousness, seizures and even death.
Tips for a better sleep
Getting into a consistent sleep routine will not only improve blood sugar levels but also improve your overall health. These are the following steps that you need to be taken to promote a better sleep:
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- Check and monitor your blood glucose levels regularly to maintain the targeted levels.
- Sleep at the same time daily at night.
- Make sure that your bed is comfortable enough
- Your room should be ventilated and cool
- Make sure that the lights are off and your room is noise free
- Incorporate exercise into your daily routine
If you have tried almost all lifestyle tactics to overcome sleep apnea and is still not getting relief, consult a healthcare specialist. There may be you are not getting your diabetes medication on time or not following the diabetes treatment properly. The pharmaceutical drugs along with diet and exercise are equally important to reduce the symptoms of diabetes. There are several medications available for type 2 diabetes treatment. Make sure that you take these only after consulting with a healthcare specialist.
Also Read: Treating Diabetes with Insulin
