Low blood sugar called hypoglycemia can cause sleep problems. Hypoglycemia can occur in people with or without diabetes. Nocturnal hypoglycemia is a form of hypoglycemia that occurs at night. Low blood glucose levels and hypoglycemia can hurt sleep. If one is taking insulin or other blood sugar medication, one may be at risk of low blood sugar levels during the night. Can lack of sleep cause high blood sugar Low blood sugar levels overnight can disrupt the sleep pattern and lead to difficulty waking in the morning and tiredness throughout the day. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, low blood sugar during sleep can cause the following symptoms Nightmares Sweating profusely Feeling irritable or confused upon waking Researchers have found the following connections between sugar and lack of sleep or sleep problems: Sleep-disordered breathing is associated with high glucose levels Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with impaired glucose tolerance More severe sleep breathing issues are associated with increased fasting glucose Lack of sleep is associated with reduced ability to control glucose levels in diabetic patients Lack of sleep is associated with type 2 diabetes even in children High blood sugar during the night can lead to insomnia and next-day fatigue. As with many chronic conditions, feeling of depression or stress about the disease itself may also keep one awake at night. When blood sugar levels are high, the kidneys overcompensate causing them to urinate more often. During the night, these frequent trips to the bathroom lead to disrupted sleep. High blood sugar may also cause headaches, increased thirst, and tiredness that can interfere with falling asleep.
