Can Diabetes Cause Sleep Problems: Diabetes is an old and very common disease today. According to the World Health Organization, while in 1990, about 20 crore people were suffering from diabetes across the world, by 2022 this number will increase to about 83 crore. It is also a matter of concern that more than half of the people suffering from diabetes do not have access to proper treatment and medicines.
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Many people do not take this disease seriously, but if it is ignored, it can lead to serious conditions like kidney failure, heart attack, stroke and even amputation. Generally, symptoms of diabetes include excessive thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision and weight loss without any reason. But according to Britain’s Diabetes UK organization, there is another common sign which people often ignore, and that is sleep related problems.
Effect of diabetes on sleep
According to Diabetes UK, frequent fluctuations in blood sugar levels can significantly affect sleep. When the sugar level in the body becomes too high or too low, it can disrupt the night’s sleep. Apart from this, diabetes related complications like nerve damage or pain in legs can also disturb sleep. Adequate and good sleep is very important for the health of the body, but it sometimes becomes difficult for people suffering from diabetes to get good sleep.
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Effect of blood sugar on sleep
If blood sugar gets too low, called hypoglycemia, this can also happen at night and can affect sleep. This problem is especially seen in people with type-1 diabetes. Some medicines can also increase or decrease the blood sugar level at night. Due to repeated low sugar level at night, one may feel more sleepy or tired during the day and gradually the sleep pattern may also get disturbed. At the same time, if blood sugar becomes too high then sleep is also affected. Due to high blood sugar, there may be a need to urinate frequently, which leads to disrupted sleep at night. Apart from this, excessive thirst and headache can also cause difficulty in sleeping.
Lack of sleep can increase the risk of diabetes
Research shows that sleep-related problems can also increase the risk of diabetes. A study conducted by the University of Bristol in 2022 found that people who had trouble falling asleep or staying asleep had higher blood sugar levels. According to Diabetes UK, some habits can be helpful for good sleep. Be physically active during the day, rest for at least an hour before bed, keep your bed comfortable, and avoid alcohol or excessive screen time before bed. Keeping the room temperature slightly cool can also help in good sleep.
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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.
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