Why does sleep matter for diabetes?
Sleep is important for many of the body’s processes, including metabolism and hormone regulation. When a person does not get enough sleep or has poor-quality sleep, the body can respond differently to insulin and glucose.
Research has found that both very short and very long sleep durations are associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The relationship is not simply about the number of hours someone sleeps. Sleep quality and regularity also matter. This means that sleep is not just time spent resting. It can affect processes that are important for maintaining healthy blood glucose levels.
When diabetes makes sleep harder
The relationship also works in the other direction. People with diabetes can experience sleep disruptions because of the condition itself or because of the demands of managing it. For example, changes in blood glucose during the night can interfere with sleep. People with diabetes may also experience sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, or restless legs syndrome.
The American Diabetes Association recommends screening for sleep health in people with diabetes and those at risk for diabetes. Sleep apnea is especially important because it can repeatedly interrupt normal sleep. In people with diabetes, sleep fragmentation and reduced oxygen levels associated with obstructive sleep apnea can contribute to insulin resistance and changes in blood glucose regulation.
The connection to blood glucose
Poor sleep can make diabetes management more difficult. Sleep disturbances have been associated with less engagement in diabetes self-management and difficulty maintaining glucose levels within a person’s target range. Research has also found that insufficient sleep can reduce insulin sensitivity.
In studies of healthy adults, several days of restricted sleep have been associated with measurable changes in the body’s ability to respond to insulin. This helps explain why sleep can be an important part of diabetes care rather than something completely separate from it.
Improving sleep health
Healthcare professionals can recommend sleep-promoting habits for people with diabetes. These can include keeping a consistent bedtime and wake time, creating a dark and quiet sleeping environment, and developing a relaxing routine before bed. The American Diabetes Association also recommends screening for sleep problems and referring people to appropriate specialists when needed. Treatment for a sleep disorder may improve sleep quality and, in some cases, may also help with aspects of glucose management.
However, there is no single sleep routine that works for everyone. Sleep problems can have different causes, so people experiencing ongoing difficulties can discuss them with a healthcare provider.
More than just getting enough sleep
The relationship between diabetes and sleep shows how different systems in the body can influence one another. Sleep affects metabolic processes, while diabetes and its management can interfere with sleep.
Because of this connection, paying attention to sleep can be another part of taking care of diabetes. Understanding sleep as part of overall health can help show that diabetes management involves much more than monitoring blood glucose alone.