Sleep and Diabetes

A good night's sleep is important for diabetes and overall health. Adequate sleep can help regulate appetite, mood, hormones, energy, and blood sugars. People with diabetes are also more likely to have conditions that impact sleep, such as sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, and peripheral neuropathy.

A study found that 50% of people with type 2 diabetes has sleep problems due to fluctuating blood sugar levels. Studies also show that sleep problems can increase the risk of insulin resistance and prediabetes.

Learn about how diabetes and sleep are connected.

Does Diabetes Affect Your Sleep?

Diabetes can affect your sleep in a variety of ways. If your blood sugar level is high, you may use the restroom more in the middle of the night. These sleep disruptions can affect your sleep quality and result in daytime fatigue.

High blood sugar may cause headaches, increased thirst, and hunger, which can interfere with falling asleep. Insufficient sleep is related to insulin resistance, trouble with weight loss, increased blood pressure, a reduced immune system, and an increased risk of anxiety and depression.

Sleep Issues Associated with Diabetes

There are some sleep disorders associated with diabetes. These include:

• Insomnia: Research suggests that 39% of people with type 2 diabetes have trouble sleeping.
• Peripheral neuropathy: When neuropathy (nerve damage in the feet, legs, arms, and hands) becomes severe or has gone on many years without being detected or treated, the pain can affect sleep. It is the most common type of neuropathy found in people with diabetes.
• Restless legs syndrome (RLS): RLS is an urge to move your legs during rest. It is more prevalent in people with diabetes than people without diabetes. The exact relationship between diabetes and RLS needs to be examined further.
• Sleep apnea: If diabetes and sleep apnea are not well-controlled, symptoms of each condition can worsen.
  

Treatments of Diabetes Introduced Sleep Issues

Treatments for sleep problems will depend on the underlying cause. If high blood sugar is to blame, lifestyle changes to improve glycemic control may be the first step to improving sleep. Some steps for improving sleep include:

• Taking medications properly
• Eating a nutritious diet
• Limiting caffeine and alcohol
• Correcting vitamin deficiencies
• Exercising regularly
• Practicing good sleep habits

People with diabetes and sleep apnea may need a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP), or other treatments.

Correction of Vitamin Deficiencies and Natural Remedies

People with a vitamin B12 deficiency may experience symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, which can impact sleep. Folate (vitamin B9) and iron deficiency have been linked to restless legs syndrome. If symptoms are affecting your sleep, correcting a known deficiency may help.

Additional natural remedies people use for sleep include:

• Herbal teas
• Magnesium supplementation
• Melatonin
• CBD (cannabidiol, an ingredient in cannabis)

More research is needed on natural remedies and how they impact sleep. Speak with your healthcare provider before starting any herb or supplement. Your provider can let you know if there are any contraindications (reasons not to use it) with your prescribed medicines and that it is safe to use.

When to See Your Healthcare Provider

Not sleeping enough can impact your day-to-day functioning, leaving you feeling tired and irritable. If you suspect your diabetes is to blame for your sleep issues, managing your blood sugar will be necessary. Your healthcare provider will review your blood sugar level and recommend interventions to get it into range.

You should also seek medical advice if your sleep issues are chronic (long term). Chronic difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up early, even though you had adequate opportunity to sleep at least three times a week for one month, may indicate that you are experiencing insomnia. A medical professional should evaluate this type of sleep problem.

Summary

Diabetes and sleep-related issues are linked. If you have diabetes and your blood sugar is not well controlled, your sleep can be affected. Poor sleep quality can increase your risk for diabetes. Healthy sleep is important for overall health, energy, mood, and diabetes. Contact your healthcare provider if you are having trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or feeling extremely tired during the day.

A Word From Verywell

Sleep problems and diabetes can impact your quality of life. A sleep routine can improve diabetes control and reduce the risk of other conditions and diseases. Options for improving your sleep include lifestyle changes, better sleep habits, underlying conditions, and more.