How Sleep Affects Your Blood Sugar Levels

Blood sugar, often called blood glucose, is the sugar in an individual’s blood. It is the body’s leading energy source, obtained from the food one consumes. When blood sugar is increased, the pancreas releases insulin, a hormone that helps blood glucose to enter cells and be used as energy.  

However, millions worldwide suffer from harmful fluctuations in their blood sugar levels. In fact, according to reports by the World Health Organisation (WHO), approximately 77 million people in India over 18 have Type 2 diabetes, and 25 million are prediabetic. These conditions may increase the risk of strokes and heart attacks in adults, as well as nerve damage, ulcers and infections in the feet. They can also cause blindness and kidney failure.  

Without proper management, blood sugar fluctuations can be extremely harmful and even fatal in some cases. One of the leading factors affecting blood sugar is the amount of sleep an individual gets. This article examines common blood sugar problems, how sleep affects blood sugar, and how to prevent blood sugar spikes at night.  

What Are Common Blood Sugar Problems? 

Some of the most common blood sugar-related issues include:

1. Diabetes

Diabetes is when the body doesn’t produce sufficient insulin or is unable to use it, and blood glucose levels are high. High glucose levels in the blood mean it cannot reach the body’s cells, leading to complications. It can lead to hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, both of which can be dangerous if left untreated.

2. Hyperglycemia 

This refers to a condition where there is excess glucose (sugar) in the blood. It is caused by low insulin production or resistance (when the body cannot utilise the insulin). It is commonly associated with diabetes. It can damage the tissues, organs, and blood vessels, or more life-threatening conditions like diabetes-related ketoacidosis, without treatment. 

3. Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia occurs when blood sugar levels are lower than usual. Diabetes treatments often bring it on. However, other medications and conditions can also cause it. Since glucose is the body’s primary energy source, hypoglycemia requires immediate treatment.

How Is Sleep Related to Blood Sugar? 

Inadequate sleep is linked to poor blood sugar control. Poor sleep quality, insomnia, sleep apnea, and other sleep disorders are often associated with high blood glucose levels and put individuals at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In contrast, deep, good-quality sleep has been linked to better blood glucose control throughout the day. 

The body goes through a cycle of changes every day, known as the circadian rhythm. Sleep can, therefore, increase and lower blood glucose levels. This causes blood sugar levels to naturally rise during the night when an individual is asleep, which is normal and not a cause for concern. However, inadequate sleep can result in the following: 

– Increased blood sugar levels  

– Insulin resistance 

– Increased risk for diabetes 

Some factors affecting sleep and blood sugar include:

– The duration of sleep an individual gets  

– The stages of sleep an individual goes through 

– The time when an individual sleeps  

– The dietary habits of an individual  

– The individual’s age  

The precise link between sleep and blood sugar has not been determined. However, research has begun to identify specific factors that affect sleep. For example, sleep deprivation has been associated with increased cortisol and glucose levels. Poor sleep can also reduce insulin sensitivity, impacting blood sugar levels.  

What are the Signs of Blood Sugar Fluctuations? 

It is crucial to know the signs of hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, and diabetes. The signs to watch for depend on the condition:

1. Hyperglycemia 

 – Polydipsia (increased thirst) 

– Increased hunger  

– Frequent urination 

– Headaches and blurred vision 

– Fatigue 

– Weight loss 

– Skin infections and vaginal yeast infections 

– Sores and cuts that heal very slowly 

2. Hypoglycemia 

– Pale skin 

– Shakiness and sweating 

– Headaches and fatigue  

– Hunger and/or nausea  

– Irregular or fast heartbeat 

– Difficulty concentrating 

– Mood changes like irritability and anxiety  

– Dizziness or lightheadedness 

– Numbness or tingling in the cheek, lips, or tongue 

– Confusion, loss of coordination, and unusual behaviour  

– An inability to complete routine tasks  

– Slurred speech 

– Unresponsiveness and seizures (in severe cases) 

3. Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

 – Excessive thirst  

– Frequent urination 

– Unintentional weight loss 

– Fatigue and weakness 

– Mood changes like irritability  

– Blurry vision 

– Slow-healing sores 

– Frequent infections in the gums, skin or other areas 

If an individual is experiencing symptoms of blood sugar fluctuations, immediate medical attention is required. It is crucial to visit a doctor as soon as possible. For accurate diabetes test, visit the Dr Lal PathLabs website today.  

FAQs 

1. Does lack of sleep affect blood sugar?

Poor sleep can increase cortisol and insulin resistance, increasing glucose levels in the blood.  

2. Does sugar make you sleepy?

Foods are often assigned a glycemic index (GI), which measures how quickly they increase blood glucose. Foods with high GI values can cause rapid blood sugar spikes and crashes, making individuals sleepy and tired.  

3. How many hours should a diabetic sleep?

People with diabetes should sleep between 7 to 9 hours at night.