The Link Between Diabetes and Sleep Disorders

Diabetes and sleep are intricately connected. According to the Sleep Foundation, the comprehensive online source for sleep health, “it is estimated that one in two people with Type 2 diabetes have sleep problems because of unstable sugar levels and accompanying diabetes-related symptoms. High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) during the night can lead to insomnia and next-day fatigue.”[1]

Studies also show that sleep problems or a sleep disorder increase the risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. Repeated awakenings during the night, insufficient sleep, too much sleep and irregular sleep all promote glucose intolerance.  Also, if someone has prediabetes or diabetes, the condition will worsen with poor sleep.[2]

Diabetes link to certain sleep disorders

Diabetes is commonly linked with several sleep disorders. Among them:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Those with OSA repeatedly stop breathing during sleep. OSA affects about two-thirds of people with Type 2 diabetes. Its severity affects glycemic control in people who have diabetes—the more severe the OSA, the lower the insulin sensitivity.[3]

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS):  The condition is characterized by a persistent drive to move your legs (most often during the night). It makes falling and staying asleep more challenging. People with diabetes have an increased risk of experiencing RLS. [4]

Urge to urinate at night: High blood glucose levels create blood vessel damage that affects the urinary tract, causing nighttime urges to urinate. This can lead to a frequently disrupted sleep cycle and lack of sleep.[5]

Peripheral Neuropathy: Diabetic nerve pain can make it difficult to relax and be able to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Lack of sleep complicates diabetes management

Less than 7 hours of sleep makes it harder to manage diabetes, says Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Complications from too little sleep:[6]

• Increase insulin resistance.
• Make you hungrier the next day and reduce how full you feel after eating.
• Make you more likely to reach for junk foods—those that are high in carbs and sugar.
• Make it harder to lose weight.
• Raise blood pressure and seriously increase the risk of a heart attack.
• Make your immune system less able to fight infections.
• Increase your risk of depression and anxiety.

Coping with sleep issues due to diabetes

Some simple ways to improve sleep, regardless if you have prediabetes or diabetes or if you feel you are not getting enough sleep, include:[7]

• Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, relaxing, and cool. Aim for a temperature of 65 degrees for your best rest, say experts.
• Avoid light from electronic devices such as TVs, computers, and smartphones.
• Get some physical activity during the day.
• Mentally unwind and relax before bedtime.
• Have a routine that gets you ready for bed, like taking a shower, reading, or writing in a journal.
• Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol too near bedtime. They are stimulants and will keep you awake.

If you continue to have sleep issues, consult with your healthcare provider.

[1] Pacheco, Danielle and Singh, Dr. Abhinav, “Lack of Sleep and Diabetes,” Sleep Foundation, October 26, 2023. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/physical-health/lack-of-sleep-and-diabetes

[2] “The Impact of Poor Sleep on Type 2 Diabetes,” National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease, Mary 17, 2021. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/professionals/diabetes-discoveries-practice/the-impact-of-poor-sleep-on-type-2-diabetes

[3] Ibid

[4] Pugle, “Sleep Disorders Associated with Type 2 Diabetes,” verywell health, October 13, 2022. https://www.verywellhealth.com/sleep-and-type-2-diabetes-disorders-and-treatments-6542808#citation-1

[5] Ibid

[6] “Sleep for a Good Cause,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Accessed February 4, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/diabetes-sleep.html

[7] Ibid