Are you aware that your sleep patterns can influence your blood sugar levels? Achieving a good night's sleep is crucial for maintaining proper glycemic control in diabetes. However, modern lifestyles often lead to poor sleep habits, which can have detrimental effects on blood sugar levels. The prevalence of social media engagement and the abundance of streaming platforms with endless content contribute to individuals staying up late watching series, thereby compromising their sleep quality. We spoke to our experts, who explained the impact of sleep on your blood sugar levels.
Impact Of Sleep On Blood Sugar
Dr Vidya Tickoo, Consultant Endocrinologist and Diabetologist, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, explained the impact of sleep on your blood sugar levels as follows:
Cortisol Levels
“Insufficient sleep results in increased cortisol levels, a stress hormone known to induce insulin resistance. This resistance can escalate the risk of developing prediabetes or diabetes, and exacerbate glycemic management in individuals already diagnosed with diabetes”, said Dr Tickoo.
According to Cureus, reduced insulin sensitivity is a result of sleep deprivation, particularly when it becomes chronic. This reduced sensitivity of the body's cells to insulin is believed to contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.
Oxidative Stress
Inadequate sleep leads to increased oxidative stress and elevated inflammatory markers. This contributes to increased insulin resistance and the heightened risk of developing diabetes. Consequently, these hormonal alterations result in elevated blood sugar levels.
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Dietary Habits
Being awake for longer periods can result in increased calorie intake, often with unhealthy food choices, leading to weight gain and obesity, which in turn elevates blood sugar levels.
Physical Activity
Decreased energy levels and increased drowsiness during the day due to poor sleep quality can reduce physical activity, exacerbating weight gain and high blood sugar levels.
Medical Conditions
“Certain medical conditions, such as obstructive sleep aponea, involve the collapse of the airway during sleep, often accompanied by snoring. These interruptions in the sleep cycle result in poor sleep quality and daytime drowsiness. Also, obstructive sleep apnoea is linked to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular issues”, added Dr Tickoo.
According to a 2009 study, it was found that 86% of the participants diagnosed with diabetes also had sleep apnea. Among this group, 55% exhibited severity levels requiring treatment.
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Sleep, Obesity, And Diabetes
“Sleep disorders, obesity and diabetes probably have an association and form a vicious cycle. Poor sleep or excess sleeping is associated with poor sugar control or increased risk of developing diabetes”, said Dr Hari Kishan Boorugu, Consultant Physician and Diabetologist, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad.
He added, “People diagnosed with diabetes often experience disrupted sleep patterns or an elevated prevalence of sleep disorders. The link between diabetes and obesity is firmly established, with obesity being a significant risk factor for sleep apnoea.”
“However, the precise pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the relationship between altered sleep cycles and impaired diabetes control remain unclear. Moreover, patients undergoing diabetes management, particularly those on insulin therapy, may be awakened by episodes of hypoglycemia, leading to sleep disturbances. Also, individuals experiencing poor sleep quality commonly exhibit lethargy, reduced exercise tolerance, and difficulties in glycemic control”, added Dr Boorugu.
Bottomline
People who don't sleep well are predisposed to diabetes, and those who already have diabetes can have higher blood sugar values because of lack of sleep. Hence, it's very important to have a good duration of sleep every day and a good quality of sleep as well for a healthy body.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes. Hence, we advise you to consult your expert if you are dealing with any health issues to get the necessary treatment.]