There are several health-centric reasons for prioritizing a good night’s sleep, and if you have diabetes, there are even more.

In this blog post, explore how sleep can affect your blood sugars and your diabetes management.

😴 How Does Sleep Affect Diabetes?

Everybody needs sleep for their body to function properly throughout the day. A good consistent sleep schedule is important for a better mood and more energy.

📌 If you have diabetes, sleep is especially important because it affects how much you eat, what you choose to eat, how your body responds to insulin, and your mental health. A regular sleep schedule helps maintain your body’s circadian rhythm, a routine cycle of behavioral changes that your body experiences every day. This can help regulate your sugars throughout the day and while you are sleeping.

It is recommended that all individuals get at least 7 hours of sleep per night on a regular basis. By getting enough sleep, your body can feel well-rested and ready to tackle the day.

🥱 Challenges From Lack of Sleep

A lack of sleep can cause many challenges to your diabetes and can make it harder to manage. If you get too little sleep, you may experience some of these obstacles:

  • Increased insulin resistance
  • Being hungrier the next day and not feeling as full after eating
  • More likely to choose junk foods over fresh, healthy foods
  • Harder to lose weight
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Weakened immune system that cannot fight off infections as well
  • Increased risk of depression and anxiety

Lack of Sleep

🛌🏼 Tips to Get More Sleep

One of the best things that you can do to ensure that you are on a consistent sleep schedule is to try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. This may be challenging when switching from weekdays and weekends, but it can significantly improve the quality of your sleep. Here are some other tips that you can try to get a good night’s sleep:

  • Keep your bedroom quiet, dark, and relaxing
  • Remove electronic devices from the bedroom
  • Get some physical activity during the day, but not too late at night
  • Mentally unwind and relax before bedtime
  • Get in bed only when you are tired
  • Avoid caffeine and alcohol several hours before bedtime

Summary Getting a good night’s sleep is one of the most important things that you can do for your blood sugars and your overall health. When your body does not get enough sleep, multiple challenges can occur such as increased insulin resistance and choosing junk foods or larger portion sizes. By ensuring that you get at least 7 hours of sleep on a regular basis, you can effectively manage your diabetes and live a happier life.