Colin Snow
People with diabetes are at an increased risk of sleep problems, including insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome. This can be due to unstable blood sugar levels, which can cause increased urination, thirst, sweating, dizziness, and tremors that disrupt sleep. As a result, many people with diabetes turn to sleep aids to improve their sleep quality. While there are no sleep aids specifically recommended for people with diabetes, melatonin is often suggested as it is a natural hormone that helps control sleep and wake cycles. However, it is important to consult a doctor before taking any sleep aids, as they can have side effects and may be addictive.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| People with diabetes at risk of | Sleep problems, insomnia, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome |
| Causes of sleep problems in people with diabetes | High blood sugar, hypoglycemia, stress, depression |
| Side effects of sleeping pills | Constipation, diarrhea, muscle weakness, digestive problems, worsen snoring and sleep apnea |
| Risks of sleeping pills | Dependence, addiction, rebound insomnia, parasomnia |
| Recommended sleeping pills for people with diabetes | Melatonin, antihistamines containing diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Advil PM), doxyalimine (Unisom) |
| Precautions when taking sleeping pills | Consult a doctor, do not take for a long period, do not mix with alcohol or sedatives |
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What You'll Learn
Melatonin as a natural sleep aid
Melatonin is a hormone that is produced naturally in the body and helps control your sleep and wake cycles. It is also available as a synthetically produced supplement in pill form. Melatonin is not a sleeping pill that will knock you out, but it puts you in a state of quiet wakefulness that helps promote sleep.
Research shows that melatonin supplements may help people with insomnia fall asleep faster and may have bigger benefits for those with delayed sleep phase syndrome. Melatonin is also often used to overcome jet lag and shift work sleep issues. It is also believed that melatonin supplements might have benefits for managing blood sugar in type 2 diabetes. However, it is important to note that melatonin may raise blood sugar levels and increase blood pressure in people taking hypertension medications.
A study on patients with type 2 diabetes and insomnia found that sleep efficiency, wake time after sleep onset, and the number of awakenings improved significantly when taking prolonged-release melatonin compared to a placebo. Following five months of prolonged-release melatonin use, mean A1c levels were significantly lower than at baseline. The researchers concluded that short-term use of prolonged-release melatonin improves sleep maintenance in people with type 2 diabetes and insomnia without affecting blood glucose and lipid metabolism.
However, it is important to consult a doctor before taking melatonin, especially if you are taking other medications or supplements, as it may interact with blood thinners or blood pressure medication. Additionally, melatonin supplements may not be suitable for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding or have an autoimmune disorder, a seizure disorder, or depression.
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Antihistamines as an alternative
People with diabetes are at an increased risk of sleep problems, including insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome. This can be caused by high blood sugar, which can increase the frequency of urination at night and cause thirst and excessive drinking at night.
Diabetes forums indicate that melatonin and antihistamines are the most popular way of treating insomnia. Antihistamines are a good alternative to melatonin as they 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. Overnight hypoglycemia or hypoglycemia unawareness is the number one cause for concern, so it is important to test blood sugar levels before bed or wear a continuous glucose monitor.
Antihistamines containing diphenhydramine, such as Benadryl, Tylenol PM, Advil PM, or Zyrtec, are popular over-the-counter options. There are also antihistamine eye drops and nasal sprays, such as Zatidor and Astepro, which can help with post-nasal drip and asthma. If you are taking antihistamines, it is important to monitor your blood sugar levels, as they can affect your body's glucose metabolism.
While there is no specific recommendation for sleep aids for people with diabetes, healthcare professionals advise against the use of any kind of sleep aid for insulin-dependent diabetics. It is important to consult with a doctor before taking any sleep aids, as they can cause side effects and be addictive.
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Side effects of sleeping pills
Sleeping pills can cause a range of side effects, from mild to severe. While they can be effective for short-term relief of sleeplessness, long-term use is associated with more adverse effects and an increased risk of developing a tolerance, dependence, or addiction.
Short-term side effects of sleeping pills include:
- Drowsiness, which can last into the following day
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Muscle weakness
- Digestive problems, including gas, heartburn, and nausea
- Worsening of snoring and sleep apnea
- Burning or tingling sensations in the hands, arms, feet, or legs
- Confusion and memory issues, particularly in older adults
- Impaired focus and coordination
- Dry mouth
Long-term side effects and risks associated with prolonged use include:
- Dependence or addiction, with withdrawal symptoms such as rebound insomnia when attempting to quit
- Changes in brain function and structure of sleep
- Poor memory, brain degeneration, and an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease
- Risk of accidental falls, especially in older adults
- Respiratory depression during sleep, which can be life-threatening
- Increased risk of overdose, which can be accidental or intentional in the case of suicide attempts
- Interference with other medications, potentially causing serious side effects
It is important to consult a doctor if you are considering taking sleeping pills, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medications. While sleeping pills can be helpful in the short term, they should not be relied upon long-term due to the associated risks and side effects.
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Short-term use of sleep aids
People with diabetes are at an increased risk of sleep problems, including insomnia, sleep apnea, or restless leg syndrome. This can be caused by unstable blood sugar levels and accompanying diabetes-related symptoms. High blood sugar can cause increased urination at night, making you wake up frequently to urinate, disrupting sleep. Additionally, symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as sweating, dizziness, or tremors, can also affect sleep quality.
Diabetes is closely related to insomnia or other sleeping problems. When that happens, some people with diabetes may turn to sleep aids. However, there has been concern about using sleep aids with diabetes, with some claiming that "any kind of sleep aid is taboo for an insulin-dependent diabetic."
Despite these concerns, some sleep aids may be suitable for short-term use among diabetics. Melatonin, for example, is a naturally occurring hormone that helps control your sleep and wake cycles. It is available over the counter as a natural supplement in pill form. In a study, researchers found that short-term use of prolonged-release melatonin improved sleep maintenance in people with type 2 diabetes and insomnia without affecting blood glucose and lipid metabolism. However, it is important to note that the American Diabetes Association claims that the use of melatonin can increase the body's insulin resistance.
Another option for short-term sleep aid use is antihistamines containing diphenhydramine (found in Benadryl or nighttime pain relievers like Tylenol PM or Advil PM) or doxyalimine (found in the over-the-counter sleep-aid tablets Unisom). These medications are light enough that they won't knock you out completely, allowing you to wake up naturally in an emergency or from low blood sugar.
It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any sleep aids, as they can interfere with other medications or make health conditions worse. Additionally, sleep aids are not recommended for long-term use due to the risk of dependence and addiction.
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Diabetes and insomnia
Sleep problems are common for people with diabetes, and the relationship between diabetes and sleep can be complex. People with diabetes are at an increased risk of sleep issues, including insomnia, sleep apnea, or restless leg syndrome. High blood sugar can cause an increased frequency of urination at night, and when there is too much glucose in the body, it will take water from tissues, making the person thirsty and causing them to drink more water at night. Symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as sweating, dizziness, or tremors, can also affect sleep quality.
There are several ways to improve sleep quality for people with diabetes. Firstly, careful attention to diet, exercise, and blood sugar levels can significantly impact sleep quality and overall health. Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels can help prevent disruptions to sleep caused by high or low blood sugar. Additionally, diabetes technology, such as flash glucose monitors and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), can help people with diabetes manage their blood sugar levels more effectively, improving their sleep quality. These devices can alert individuals when their blood sugar levels are falling too low or rising too high, helping to prevent nocturnal hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, which can cause insomnia and next-day fatigue.
Some people with diabetes may also choose to use sleep aids to improve their sleep quality. While there are concerns about the safety of sleep aids for people with diabetes, certain options are generally considered safe. Melatonin, for example, is a naturally occurring hormone that helps control sleep and wake cycles. It is available as a synthetic supplement in pill form and is widely used to treat sleep disorders. However, it is essential to consult a doctor before taking any sleep aids, as they can have side effects and may not be suitable for everyone. Other recommended sleep aids include antihistamines containing diphenhydramine (found in Benadryl) or doxyalimine (found in Unisom). These medications are considered "light," allowing users to wake up naturally in an emergency or due to low blood sugar.
It is worth noting that insomnia can also increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Poor sleep quality can affect blood sugar levels, and research has shown a link between sleep quality and the risk of type 2 diabetes. Therefore, addressing sleep issues is crucial for people with diabetes to manage their condition effectively and reduce their risk of developing related complications.
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Frequently asked questions
Sleeping pills are not recommended for long-term use for anyone, including diabetics. However, melatonin is a popular sleep aid that is safe for diabetics to use. Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that helps control your sleep and wake cycles.
Sleeping pills can have side effects such as constipation, diarrhoea, muscle weakness, digestive problems, and can worsen snoring and sleep apnea. Sleeping pills can also cause dependence and addiction. It is important to consult a doctor before taking any sleep medication, especially if you are diabetic.
Some alternatives to sleeping pills for diabetics include antihistamines containing diphenhydramine (found in Benadryl) or doxyalimine (found in Unisom). Valerian is another natural supplement that is said to aid relaxation and sleep. It is important to note that any sleep aid, including natural supplements, can interfere with other medications or make health conditions worse, so it is always best to consult a healthcare professional before taking anything new.
