Diabetes Management
Diabetes & Sleep Cycle: Is there a Connection?
2 min read
Published on - 20 September 2023
Share this article
0
0 like

Diabetes is a complex and chronic medical condition affecting millions worldwide. While it is primarily associated with elevated sugar levels and impacts various organs, it also disrupt your sleep cycle. In this blog, we’ll explore how diabetes can influence your sleep cycle.
How Does Diabetes Affect Your Sleep Cycle?
Diabetes can disrupt your sleep cycle in several ways. Fluctuating blood sugar levels and diabetes-related complications can lead to insomnia, frequent awakenings and an increased risk of sleep disorders, affecting the overall quality of your sleep.
- Fluctuating Blood Sugar Levels
Diabetes is characterised by the body's inability to regulate blood glucose effectively, resulting in either high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) or low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). Both of these extremes can disrupt your sleep.
While hyperglycemia can lead to increased thirst and frequent urination, hypoglycemia can result in night sweats or nightmares due to hunger and shakiness.
- Sleep Apnea
People with diabetes are at an elevated risk of developing sleep apnea, a sleep disorder characterised by pauses in breathing during sleep. Due to altered glucose metabolism and insulin resistance, sleep apnea can disrupt your sleep cycle by causing repeated awakenings.
- Neuropathy and Restless Leg Syndrome
Diabetes can cause neuropathy, a condition characterised by nerve damage, particularly in the legs and feet. This neuropathy can result in uncomfortable sensations, such as burning or tingling, which may intensify at night.
Conclusion
It is crucial for individuals with diabetes to recognize that the condition can profoundly impact their sleep cycle. Sleep disruptions related to diabetes can contribute to daytime fatigue, worsen diabetes-related complications, and affect overall well-being. Therefore, proactive management of diabetes is essential for better sleep., including regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, medication adherence, and a healthy lifestyle.
Diabetes Management
Consult Top Diabetologists
View AllLeave Comment
Recommended for you

Diabetes Management
Can Diabetes Cause Hormonal Imbalance?
Diabetes can affect various hormones crucial for bodily functions. This imbalance can disrupt blood sugar regulation, increase the stress hormone cortisol, and impact sex and thyroid hormones. Managing diabetes through consistent monitoring, medication adherence, a balanced diet, exercise, and stress management is essential to prevent and mitigate these hormonal imbalances. Understanding the connection between diabetes and hormonal disruptions is key to improving overall well-being and achieving control over diabetes.

Diabetes Management
Adding a Smile to Your Diabetes Management
Oral hygiene is crucial for diabetics. Diabetes increases the risk of gum diseases like tooth decay and cavities. Hence, regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are essential for diabetics to maintain good oral health and support overall well-being.

Diabetes Management
3 Common Mistakes to Avoid While Blood Sugar Testing
Effective diabetes management relies on precise blood sugar testing and lifestyle adjustments. These include not pricking the same finger daily, maintaining proper hand hygiene, and timing tests correctly (preferably before eating or waiting two hours after a meal). Accurate testing empowers individuals to collaborate effectively with their healthcare teams, make informed decisions about diet, medication, and lifestyle, and ultimately take better control of their condition for a stress-free and healthier life.
Subscribe
Sign up for our free Health Library Daily Newsletter
Get doctor-approved health tips, news, and more.
Visual Stories

8 Fruits That are Incredibly Healthy for Diabetes
Tap to continue exploring
Recommended for you

Diabetes Management
Can Diabetes Cause Hormonal Imbalance?
Diabetes can affect various hormones crucial for bodily functions. This imbalance can disrupt blood sugar regulation, increase the stress hormone cortisol, and impact sex and thyroid hormones. Managing diabetes through consistent monitoring, medication adherence, a balanced diet, exercise, and stress management is essential to prevent and mitigate these hormonal imbalances. Understanding the connection between diabetes and hormonal disruptions is key to improving overall well-being and achieving control over diabetes.

Diabetes Management
Adding a Smile to Your Diabetes Management
Oral hygiene is crucial for diabetics. Diabetes increases the risk of gum diseases like tooth decay and cavities. Hence, regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are essential for diabetics to maintain good oral health and support overall well-being.

Diabetes Management
3 Common Mistakes to Avoid While Blood Sugar Testing
Effective diabetes management relies on precise blood sugar testing and lifestyle adjustments. These include not pricking the same finger daily, maintaining proper hand hygiene, and timing tests correctly (preferably before eating or waiting two hours after a meal). Accurate testing empowers individuals to collaborate effectively with their healthcare teams, make informed decisions about diet, medication, and lifestyle, and ultimately take better control of their condition for a stress-free and healthier life.