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Diabetes is a condition in which the body is unable to produce insulin properly. This causes excess levels of glucose in the blood. The most common types are type 1 and type 2 diabetes. If you have type 1, your pancreas doesn’t produce insulin, so you must take it on a daily basis. If you have type 2, your body can make some of its own insulin, but it’s often not enough. This means that your body can’t use the insulin correctly.
Depending on how well you control your blood sugar, you may or may not experience symptoms. Short-term symptoms of high blood sugar can include frequent thirst or hunger, as well as frequent urination. It isn’t uncommon for these symptoms to have an impact on the way you sleep. Here’s what the research has to say.
Why does diabetes affect your ability to sleep?
In one 2012 studyTrusted Source, researchers examined the associations between sleep disturbance and diabetes. Sleep disturbance includes difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, or sleeping too much. The study found a clear relationship between sleep disturbance and diabetes. The researchers say that sleep deprivation is a significant risk factor for diabetes, which can sometimes be controlled.
Having diabetes doesn’t necessarily mean that your sleep will be impacted. It’s more a matter of what symptoms of diabetes you experience and how you manage them. Certain symptoms are more likely to cause issues when you’re trying to rest:
High blood sugar levels can cause frequent urination. If your blood sugar is high at night, you could end up getting up frequently to use the bathroom.
When your body has extra glucose, it draws water from your tissues. This can make you feel dehydrated, prompting you to get up for regular glasses of water.
The symptoms of low blood sugar, such as shakiness, dizziness, and sweating, can affect your sleep.
Tossing and turning all night is common in people with diabetes. Although this may be the result of common diabetes symptoms, a separate medical condition may be at the root. A few sleep disorders and other disorders that affect sleep are more common in people with diabetes.
Sleep apnea
This is the most common sleep disorder in people with diabetes. Sleep apnea occurs when your breathing repeatedly stops and starts throughout the night. In one 2009 study, researchers found 86 percent of participants had sleep apnea in addition to diabetes. Of this group, 55 percent had it severe enough to need treatment.
Sleep apnea is more commonly found in people with type 2 diabetes. This is because people in this group often carry excess weight, which can constrict their air passage.
Common symptoms include feeling tired during the day and snoring at night. You’re more at risk for sleep apnea if it runs in the family or if you’re obese. Reaching a healthy weight for your body type may help relieve your symptoms. You can also wear a special mask during sleep to increase air pressure to your throat and allow you to breathe easier.
Restless leg syndrome (RLS)
RLS is characterized by a constant urge to move your legs. It’s most common in the evening hours, which can make it harder to fall or stay asleep. RLS may occur due to an iron deficiency. Risk factors for RLS include high blood glucose levels, kidney problems, and thyroid disorders.
If you think you have RLS, make an appointment with your doctor to review your symptoms. This is especially important if you have a history of anemia. Tobacco can also trigger RLS. If you’re a smoker, join a smoking cessation program to work on quitting.
Insomnia
Insomnia is characterized by recurrent trouble falling and staying asleep. You’re more at risk for insomnia if you have high stress levels along with high glucose levels.
Taking an over-the-counter sleeping aid won’t solve insomnia. Look into the reason why you can’t fall asleep, such as working in a high-stress job or experiencing challenging family issues. Seeking treatment with a medical professional may help you determine what’s triggering the problem.
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