Are you a diabetes patient experiencing sleep problems? If so, then the two conditions could be related. It’s important to manage your blood sugar levels and take steps like finding the best mattress for diabetics.
It’s important to know the link between lack of sleep and t2d diabetes in particular, which makes up 95% of all diabetes cases. In fact, serious disease is often overlooked as a trigger/cause of sleep deprivation.
Diabetes Risk Factor
What Exactly Is Diabetes?
Diabetes involves a patient having too much glucose/sugar in their blood. Over 9% of the global adult population was reported to have diabetes in 2019, according to Statista. This condition can also increase the risk of other serious diseases like heart disease.
When you experience sleep deprivation, it messes up hormone levels. The body releases less insulin (blood sugar-controlling hormone) after eating. Your body gives off more cortisol (stress hormones), which prevents insulin from doing its job.
Sleep Quality and Type-2 Diabetes
Sleep Deprivation
You should be getting a full 7 or 8 hours of sleep every night but most of us don’t. The problem is the ‘deep sleep” is lost, which is needed for blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity. When that happens, you’re more likely to develop diabetes.
Related effects are lack of sleep can cause you to eat more and feel less full. These situations can cause sugar and carbohydrate cravings, which can trigger blood sugar spikes.
Research on Sleep and Diabetes
2003 Study
A 2003 study researched links between sleep deprivation and type-2 diabetes. Among the study’s participants, about 12% were diabetic. The study showed that diabetes was linked to sleep deprivation and due to factors like ventilation-linked breathing issues.
The researchers also concluded that sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), which is connected to related health issues like obesity and age are manageable. This should be part of the patient’s general management of diabetes symptoms.
How to Improve Sleep Environment
Make Room Sleep-friendly
It’s important for your body to get the message that it’s time to sleep at night. Make the room as comfy and stress-free as possible.
Pick a Comfortable Bed
The bed should be sturdy/durable and include comfortable pillows and beddings as well. This includes making sure to pick the right mattress. Foam mattresses tend to absorb more body heat, so latex foundations might be a better option for overall airflow.
Pick Diabetes-friendly Mattress with:
- Firmness
- Support
- Breathability
You can select the best mattress through the ultimate mattress buying guide. Various studies show the link between sleep quality and diabetes symptoms. Not only can lack of sleep worsen diabetes symptoms, but in some cases might even trigger it.
Sleep Hygiene
This is related to your sleep environment and bedtime habits. Picking a large and comfortable mattress is part of the formula. Consider a box spring or foam foundation with memory foam topper, for example.
There are various factors to consider. They include mattress material, air circulation, and firmness/softness. Make sure to try out different units to find one that best suits your personal needs.
Tips for Diabetics to Sleep Better
- Make sure bed is large/comfortable
- Keep blood sugar under control
- Use /earplugs to sleep better
- Make sure room is well-ventilated
- Try to exercise daily during the day
- Keep pillows at a comfortable height
- Reduce light and noise in the room
- Keep the temperature at about 65°F (18°C)
Conclusion
Studies show that sleep deprivation might even trigger the development of t1d and type-2 diabetes. It’s important to control diabetes symptoms like sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), create a comfy sleeping environment, and find the best mattress for diabetics with features like firmness and breathability. This wraps up our diabetes and sleep problems article.
I’m a type 1 diabetic with diabetes knowledge in t1d and t2d, as well as nutrition and low-carb keto diet information, fitness and exercise programs to help keep you in optimal diabetes health. Take advantage of our diabetic health toolsfor a healthier lifestyle!