SLEEP AND DIABETES

There are a lot of reasons why a good night’s sleep is important. For people with diabetes, there are even more.

A lack of quality sleep can affect:

  • How your body responds to insulin1
  • How hard it is to lose or maintain weight2
  • Blood pressure3
  • Your immune system4
  • Mental health, including a greater association with depression and anxiety5

Tips for getting more quality sleep:

  • Keep to a schedule. If possible, try to go to sleep and wake up around the same time every day
  • Keep your bedroom dark and cool, around 65 degrees
  • Put away the electronic devices. Ideally, remove TVs, phones, and computers from the bedroom
  • Exercise during the day can help you sleep better at night

If you do these things too close to bedtime, they can get in the way of sleeping well:

  • Consuming caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine
  • Eating a large meal
  • Taking a nap. Short naps can be beneficial, just not when taken close to bedtime

If you’re experiencing sleep issues on a continuous basis, you should have a conversation with your doctor.

References:
1. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/physical-health/sleep-and-blood-glucose.
2. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/physical-health/weight-loss-and-sleep.
3. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/sleep-disorder.
4. https://www.sleppfoundatoin.org/physical-health-sleep-affect-immunity.
5. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/mental-health/depression-and-sleep

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