7 Diabetes Nighttime Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore!
- Night sweats. When your blood sugar levels drop too low, your body releases hormones that can cause you to sweat. This can be profuse sweating that soaks your clothes and sheets.
- Restless sleep. When your blood sugar levels are not stable, it can be difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. You may wake up frequently or have trouble staying asleep.
- Nightmares. Low blood sugar levels can also cause nightmares. These dreams may be vivid and disturbing, and they can make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep.
- Headaches. Low blood sugar levels can cause headaches. These headaches may be mild or severe, and they may be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and confusion.
- Tremors. When your blood sugar levels drop too low, your body may start to shake. This is because your body is trying to get glucose into your cells.
- Rapid heartbeat. A rapid heartbeat, also known as tachycardia, can be a sign of low blood sugar levels. This is because your body is trying to pump more blood to your cells to get glucose.
- Confusion. If your blood sugar levels drop too low, you may become confused or disoriented. This is because your brain is not getting enough glucose.
If you experience any of these symptoms at night, it is important to check your blood sugar level. If your blood sugar level is low, you will need to eat or drink something sugary to raise it. You should also talk to your doctor about how to prevent nighttime hypoglycemia.
Here are some tips to help prevent nighttime hypoglycemia:
- Eat a bedtime snack. This should be a source of slow-release carbohydrates, such as whole-wheat bread or crackers.
- Avoid exercising too close to bedtime.
- Check your blood sugar level before going to bed and at least once during the night.
- Talk to your doctor about adjusting your diabetes medications.
By being aware of the nighttime signs of diabetes and taking steps to prevent them, you can help to keep your blood sugar levels under control and improve your sleep quality.