Evie Summers
People with diabetes often experience sleep problems, including insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless legs syndrome. Sleep disturbances can be caused by the effects of diabetes, but they can also be traced back to other medical conditions. As a result, many people have resorted to using sleep aids to improve their sleep quality. Sleeping pills can be purchased over the counter or by prescription, but they may have side effects and can be addictive. Melatonin, a natural hormone that helps control sleep and wake cycles, is often recommended as a sleep aid for people with diabetes. While melatonin can be effective, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any sleep aids to ensure safety and avoid potential interactions with other medications.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| People with diabetes | Are at increased risk for sleep problems, including trouble sleeping, insomnia, sleep apnea, or restless legs syndrome |
| Sleeping pills | Can have side effects and can be addictive |
| Sleeping pills | Are not recommended for long-term use |
| Sleeping pills | Should not be mixed with alcohol or other sedatives |
| Sleeping pills | Should not be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding |
| Melatonin | Is a natural hormone that helps control sleep and wake cycles |
| Melatonin | Is considered safe for children |
| Melatonin | Can increase the body's insulin resistance |
| Melatonin | Can be used in the short term to improve sleep maintenance in people with type 2 diabetes and insomnia |
| Antihistamines | Are commonly used to treat insomnia |
| Antihistamines | Can be found in Benadryl, Tylenol PM, Advil PM, and Unisom |
| Prescription sleep aids | Should be used as a last resort and started at the lowest dose |
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What You'll Learn
Melatonin as a safe, natural sleep aid
People with diabetes are at an increased risk of experiencing sleep problems, including insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome. Sleep aids can be useful in improving sleep quality, but they may also cause side effects and can be addictive. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor before taking any sleep medication.
One popular sleep aid is melatonin, a naturally occurring hormone that helps control sleep and wake cycles. Melatonin is available as a synthetic supplement in pill form over the counter and is usually found in the vitamin section of grocery or health food stores. It is often recommended by experts as a safe sleep aid for people with diabetes.
A diabetes nurse educator, Kelley Champ Crumpler, suggests starting with a small 1 mg tablet before bed and increasing the dose gradually if needed. She emphasizes that melatonin will not cause the same level of drowsiness as other sleep aids and is even safe for children. Additionally, melatonin does not interfere with the body's ability to wake up naturally in response to low blood sugar levels, which is an important consideration for people with diabetes.
Research supports the effectiveness of melatonin in improving sleep in people with type 2 diabetes and insomnia. A study published in the November 2011 issue of *Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome, and Obesity* found that short-term use of prolonged-release melatonin improved sleep maintenance without affecting blood glucose and lipid metabolism. However, long-term use may have beneficial effects on A1c levels, suggesting improved glycemic control.
While melatonin is generally considered safe, it is important to be cautious when taking any supplement. Melatonin may interact with certain medications and is not recommended for those with specific medical conditions, such as organ transplant recipients, individuals with depression, or those with bleeding or seizure disorders. It is always advisable to consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have diabetes or other health concerns.
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Antihistamines as a popular alternative
People with diabetes are at an increased risk of experiencing sleep problems, including insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome. While there are no sleep aids specifically recommended for people with diabetes, melatonin is often suggested as a natural supplement to help treat sleeping problems. Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that helps control sleep and wake cycles and is available over the counter. While it is considered effective, the American Diabetes Association claims that melatonin can increase the body's insulin resistance.
Antihistamines are another popular way of treating insomnia in people with diabetes. They are preferred because they are light enough that they won't knock you out so much that you won't wake up naturally in response to a low blood sugar emergency. Antihistamines containing diphenhydramine (found in Benadryl or nighttime pain relievers like Advil PM) or doxyalimine (found in the over-the-counter sleep-aid tablets Unisom) are recommended by diabetes nurse educator Kelley Champ Crumpler. Antihistamines can also be found in Tylenol PM.
While melatonin and antihistamines are the most popular way of treating insomnia, according to anecdotal evidence on diabetes forums, sedative hypnotic sleep aids (e.g. Lunesta, Ambien) can be used as a last resort, starting with the lowest dose and tapering up. However, like any medication, sleep aids can cause side effects and may be addictive, so it is important to consult a doctor before use.
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Prescription sleep aids as a last resort
People with diabetes often experience sleep problems, including insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome. Sleep disturbances can be caused by the effects of diabetes, but they can also be traced back to other medical conditions. Lying around, constantly tossing and turning in bed is a familiar part of life for many people with diabetes.
Sleeping pills can have side effects and some can be addictive, so it is important to consult a doctor before taking them. They are not recommended for long-term use, and if you've been taking them for a long time, you should talk to your doctor about how to stop safely. They can also cause rebound insomnia, where your insomnia comes back worse than before. Other side effects include constipation or diarrhea, muscle weakness, digestive problems, and worsened snoring and sleep apnea. Prescription sleep medicines may also bring on parasomnia, a disruptive sleep disorder that can cause dangerous behaviors while the patient is still mostly asleep.
Before turning to prescription sleep aids, it is recommended to try melatonin, which is a naturally occurring hormone that helps control sleep and wake cycles. It is available over the counter and can be started with a small 1mg tablet before bed, increasing the dose gradually if needed. If melatonin doesn't work, antihistamines containing diphenhydramine (found in Benadryl or Tylenol PM) or doxyalimine (found in Unisom) can be used. These medications are "light" enough that they won't knock you out so much that you won't wake up naturally in an emergency or from low blood sugar.
If all else fails, sedative-hypnotic sleep aids such as Lunesta or Ambien can be used as a last resort, starting with the lowest dose and increasing gradually. It is important to monitor blood sugar levels at bedtime or wear a continuous glucose monitor if possible, as overnight hypoglycemia is a concern.
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Side effects and risks of sleeping pills
Sleep disturbances are common in people with diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes. People with diabetes are at an increased risk of sleep problems such as insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome. As a result, many people opt for sleep aids to improve their sleep quality.
However, sleeping pills can have side effects and risks. Firstly, they can cause constipation or diarrhea, muscle weakness, and digestive problems such as gas, heartburn, and nausea. They can also worsen snoring and sleep apnea, which is already a concern for people with diabetes. Additionally, the long-term use of sleeping pills can lead to dependence, and stopping the medication may result in rebound insomnia, where insomnia returns worse than before. Mixing sleep aids with other sedatives or alcohol increases the risk of overdose.
Prescription sleep medicines may also bring on parasomnia, a disruptive sleep disorder where individuals may engage in dangerous behaviors while mostly asleep, such as sleepwalking, eating, taking medications, or even driving. Furthermore, sleeping pills are not recommended for long-term use, and it is crucial to consult a doctor if insomnia persists or worsens.
While there are no sleep aids specifically recommended for people with diabetes, healthcare professionals suggest melatonin as a natural supplement to aid sleep. Melatonin is a hormone that helps control sleep and wake cycles and is available over the counter. However, it is important to note that the American Diabetes Association has found that melatonin use can increase the body's insulin resistance. Antihistamines containing diphenhydramine, found in medications like Benadryl, are also an option but are not approved for sleep purposes and carry a risk of overdose, especially in children.
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Lifestyle changes to improve sleep
While sleeping pills can be used to treat insomnia in people with diabetes, they should be used with caution as they can have side effects and be addictive. Instead, it is recommended to adopt lifestyle changes, also known as "sleep hygiene", to improve sleep. Here are some suggestions:
Manage blood sugar levels
Blood sugar levels that are too high or too low can disrupt sleep. To manage blood sugar levels, focus on consuming lower-glycemic foods and avoid sugary snacks. Opt for high-protein snacks such as nuts, and avoid caffeine and chocolate close to bedtime. Continuous glucose monitors can help detect episodes of high or low blood sugar levels at night.
Practice mindfulness techniques
Research has shown that mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing, visualization, and meditation can improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia and daytime fatigue. If you are unable to sleep, get out of bed until you feel sleepy again.
Maintain a healthy weight
Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of developing sleep apnea, a condition where breathing stops and starts during sleep, disrupting sleep quality. Losing weight can help reduce the risk of sleep apnea and improve sleep.
Use sleep technology
Sleep technology such as wearable sleep trackers and smartphone alerts can provide insights into sleep patterns and help detect changes in blood sugar levels. Hybrid closed-loop systems, also known as artificial pancreases, can help stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce the occurrence of low blood sugar episodes.
Consult a healthcare professional
If you are experiencing sleep difficulties, it is important to consult a healthcare professional. They can assess for underlying sleep issues such as diabetic neuropathy or sleep apnea and recommend appropriate treatment options.
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Frequently asked questions
People with diabetes often experience sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, and neuropathy.
Melatonin is a popular option for treating insomnia in people with diabetes. It is a naturally occurring hormone that helps control sleep and wake cycles and is available as a natural supplement over the counter. Antihistamines containing diphenhydramine (found in Benadryl or Tylenol PM) or doxyalimine (found in Unisom) are also recommended.
Sleeping pills can have side effects such as constipation, diarrhea, muscle weakness, and digestive problems. They can also worsen snoring and sleep apnea. It is important to consult a doctor before taking any sleeping medication, as they may interfere with other medications or health conditions. Additionally, sleeping pills should not be used long-term, as they can cause rebound insomnia and addiction.
Yes, it is recommended to adopt a healthy lifestyle and address the underlying causes of insomnia, such as caffeine consumption close to bedtime, exercise before bed, stress, or other stimulants. A doctor may also suggest losing weight to help with sleep apnea.
