{"id":3962,"date":"2018-10-22T09:47:30","date_gmt":"2018-10-22T08:47:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.bensdiabetes.com\/?p=3962"},"modified":"2026-05-30T07:46:19","modified_gmt":"2026-05-30T07:46:19","slug":"diabetes-and-sleep","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bensnaturalhealth.com\/blog\/diabetes-health\/diabetes-and-sleep\/","title":{"rendered":"Diabetes and Sleep: What\u2019s the Link?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Diabetes can cause a number of problems that affect even the simplest tasks of day to day living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yet, one area that people don\u2019t often realize is the impact that it has on your sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Part of this may come down to the control that you have on your blood sugar. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thirst, hunger, and frequent urination are all very common side effects that can affect your ability to get a good night of rest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sleep Disturbance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What many people don\u2019t realize is that sleeping for too long can be as detrimental as having trouble falling asleep as you can become \u2018overtired\u2019, leading to both mental and physical fatigue throughout the day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For those who frequently find themselves having to get up and down throughout the night to visit the bathroom (nocturia<\/a>), this may be a sign that your blood sugar is too high in the late hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As well as this, if you find yourself thirsty, then it\u2019s because the body turns to your tissues for hydration when it\u2019s carrying extra glucose. Lastly, low blood sugar<\/a> can cause dizziness, sickness, and sweating, all of which can impact your sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As you can see, all of these are linked to blood sugar which is why those with diabetes are at such a high risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In order to look at this further, a 2012 study examined in depth the effects of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders<\/a> upon our regular sleep pattern, finding a strong relationship between sleep disturbances and diabetes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The researchers concluded that \u201csleep disturbance is a significant risk factor\u201d for diabetes, but also that it is \u201cpotentially modifiable\u201d, meaning that all is not lost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sleep Disorders<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Other studies have examined the connection between diabetes and specific sleep disorders. For instance, a 2009 study found that 86% of their participants had both sleep apnoea and diabetes with over half of them needing treatment because of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sleep apnea is more commonly associated with type 2 diabetes<\/a> due to excess weight restricting their airflow. Being overweight can also be a leading reason behind snoring, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As you may be beginning to see, diabetes is not often the only root cause. A number of lifestyle factors can worsen your risk, hence why the original researchers have said that the risk is \u201cpotentially modifiable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other sleep issues such as restless leg syndrome (RLS) are linked with high blood sugar levels, but also iron deficiencies and smoking. Insomnia (trouble falling and staying asleep) is again linked with high blood sugar levels<\/a>, but also stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Weight<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the biggest battles with diabetes and a good night under the covers is the influence the two have on your hormones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you are tired, we become hungrier as our body tries to make up for the lack of energy through food. Yet, this causes a spike in your blood sugar levels<\/a> which can, in turn, impact your sleep cycle once again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may not be able to not have as much control over your blood sugar with diabetes, but you can control these additional areas which could be worsening the problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, if you\u2019re having problems with your sleep, don\u2019t immediately think that it\u2019s just because of your diabetes. Making sure to keep at a healthy weight, lower your stress levels, and cut down on smoking may be the solution to all your sleep-related problems<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As well as this, a lack of sleep has been frequently associated with being overweight or obese.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are tired, then try not to turn to food for energy. If you\u2019re hungry, then choose healthy options<\/a> as opposed to any junk food or high-calorie sources to keep your blood sugar at bay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How to improve your sleep<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Other helpful tips to improve your sleep are:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n