Miya Pearson
People with diabetes are at an increased risk of sleep problems, including insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome. This can be due to high blood sugar, which causes increased urination at night, frequent thirst, and symptoms of hypoglycemia such as sweating, dizziness, and tremors. Sleep apnea, which affects the sleep cycle, is also linked to the development of diabetes and insulin resistance. As a result, many people opt for 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 naturally occurring hormone that helps control sleep and wake cycles. It is available over the counter and is even safe for children. Antihistamines containing diphenhydramine or doxyalimine are also popular treatments for insomnia. However, it is important to consult a doctor before taking any sleep aids, as they can have side effects and be addictive.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleeping pills that can be taken by diabetics | Melatonin |
| Alternative sleeping pills for diabetics | Antihistamines containing diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Tylenol PM, Advil PM) or doxyalimine (Unisom) |
| Side effects of sleep aids | Addiction, unsafe for pregnant people or those consuming alcohol |
| Sleep problems in diabetics | Insomnia, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, frequent urination, increased thirst, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia |
| Sleep study for diagnosis | Polysomnogram |
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What You'll Learn
Melatonin pills
People with diabetes are at an increased risk of sleep problems, including insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome. High blood sugar can cause an increased frequency of urination at night, thirst, and symptoms of hypoglycemia, all of which can disrupt sleep. As a result, many people with diabetes use sleep aids to improve their sleep quality.
Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that helps control your sleep and wake cycles. It is available as a natural supplement in pill form over the counter. It is often recommended by experts to treat sleeping problems in people with diabetes. It is considered safe for children as well. According to Kelley Champ Crumpler, a diabetes nurse educator, "Melatonin won't render you useless like other sleep aids/hypnotics will."
A study published in the November 2011 issue of Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome, and Obesity examined the effectiveness of prolonged-release melatonin in treating sleep in 36 patients with type 2 diabetes and insomnia. The results showed that sleep efficiency, wake time after sleep onset, and the number of awakenings improved significantly when taking prolonged-release melatonin compared to a placebo. The research team 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 note that the American Diabetes Association has stated that the use of melatonin can increase the body's insulin resistance. Additionally, melatonin has a low bioavailability due to low absorption from the gastrointestinal tract, a high first-pass effect, and a high rate of metabolism. As a result, other routes of administration, such as subcutaneous injection or transdermal administration, may be suggested.
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Antihistamines
It is important to note that while antihistamines can help with sleep, they may also have side effects. Some antihistamines can cause drowsiness, which might be helpful for sleep, but they can also cause other side effects such as dizziness, dry mouth, blurred vision, and urinary retention. Additionally, antihistamines can interact with other medications and may impact blood sugar levels, so it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before taking them, especially if you have diabetes.
While antihistamines may be an option for treating sleep issues in people with diabetes, it is important to remember that they are not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. Sleep problems in people with diabetes can be caused by various factors, including high blood sugar, frequent urination, thirst, and symptoms of hypoglycemia. Therefore, it is essential to address the underlying causes of sleep issues and make lifestyle changes, such as reducing caffeine intake and exercising earlier in the day, in conjunction with any medication.
Overall, while antihistamines may be considered as a potential sleep aid for people with diabetes, it is crucial to use them cautiously and under the guidance of a healthcare professional to ensure safe and effective use.
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Sleep apnea treatments
While this answer focuses on sleep apnea treatments, it is worth noting that people with diabetes are at an increased risk of sleep problems, including insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome. If you are experiencing insomnia, melatonin is a recommended treatment, as it is a naturally occurring hormone that helps control your sleep and wake cycles.
Now, onto sleep apnea treatments. If a sleep study confirms that you have sleep apnea, your healthcare provider may recommend making healthy lifestyle changes. These changes can include regular physical activity, maintaining healthy sleeping habits and a healthy weight, limiting alcohol and caffeine intake, and quitting smoking. Sleeping on your side rather than your back can also help to keep your airway open.
In addition to lifestyle changes, there are several treatment options for sleep apnea:
- Positive airway pressure (PAP) machines: These machines provide constant air pressure through the mouth and/or nose to keep airways open during sleep. There are several types of PAP machines, including continuous PAP (CPAP), bilevel PAP (BPAP), and auto-adjusting PAP (APAP).
- Oral devices or appliances: Custom-fit oral devices are worn in the mouth to prevent blocked airways during sleep. These are most effective for mild to moderate sleep apnea. Mandibular repositioning mouthpieces prevent the jaw from sliding backward, while tongue-retaining devices hold the tongue in place to prevent airway blockage.
- Orofacial therapy: Exercises for the mouth and facial muscles can help strengthen and reposition the tongue and muscles that control the lips, tongue, upper airway, and face.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be recommended to remove tonsils or adenoids if they are blocking the airway. Weight-loss surgery may also be an option if obesity is contributing to sleep apnea.
- Medication: The FDA has recently approved a weight-loss medication for people with moderate to severe sleep apnea and obesity. This medication is injected under the skin, and your healthcare provider will recommend physical activity and a healthy eating plan alongside it.
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Insomnia and diabetes
Sleep is essential for everyone, and getting a good night's rest is especially important for people with diabetes. However, diabetes is closely associated with insomnia and other sleep problems, including sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and peripheral neuropathy. People with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing these sleep disorders due to the impact of high or low blood sugar on important body functions, such as the heart, kidneys, and thyroid gland. Additionally, high blood sugar can cause frequent urination, increased thirst, and symptoms of hypoglycemia, all of which can disrupt sleep. As a result, 85% of people with diabetes experience poor sleep quality.
While there are no sleep aids specifically recommended for people with diabetes, healthcare professionals generally advise against the long-term use of sleep aids and suggest starting with natural remedies or over-the-counter options. Melatonin is often recommended as a natural supplement to treat sleep problems. It is a hormone that occurs naturally in the body and helps regulate sleep and wake cycles. It is available over the counter and can be started at a low dose of 1 mg before bedtime, gradually increasing as needed. Melatonin has been shown to improve sleep efficiency, wake time, and the number of awakenings without negatively affecting blood glucose metabolism. However, it is important to note that the American Diabetes Association suggests that melatonin use can increase the body's insulin resistance.
If melatonin does not provide adequate relief, antihistamines containing diphenhydramine (found in Benadryl or Tylenol PM) or doxyalimine (found in Unisom) can be considered. These medications are relatively mild and won't cause excessive drowsiness, allowing individuals to wake up naturally or in response to low blood sugar. It is crucial to monitor blood sugar levels before bed or consider using a continuous glucose monitor while taking any sleep aid.
It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication or supplement, especially if you have diabetes. A doctor can refer patients to a sleep specialist for a comprehensive evaluation and may recommend specific treatments based on an individual's needs, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for sleep apnea or solriamfetol (Sunosi) for excessive sleepiness.
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Hypoglycemia and sleep
Hypoglycemia, also known as low blood sugar or low blood glucose, occurs when blood glucose levels drop below normal. This is typically below a level of 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Nocturnal hypoglycemia refers to low blood glucose levels during sleep.
People with diabetes are at an increased risk of sleep problems, including insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome. Nocturnal hypoglycemia is a potential complication for individuals managing diabetes with glucose-lowering medications. It occurs when blood sugar levels drop below suitable ranges during sleep. The complex interplay of insulin, diet, physical activity, and sleep can lead to extreme fluctuations in glucose levels, resulting in hypoglycemia.
Some common symptoms of nocturnal hypoglycemia include:
- Sweating
- Dizziness
- Tremors
- Headaches
- Confusion
- Seizures
Nocturnal hypoglycemia can be prevented by regularly monitoring glucose levels and adjusting insulin dosages. Continuous glucose monitors can be used to track glucose levels throughout the night. It is also important to ensure that glucose levels are above a suitable range before bed.
Additionally, certain sleep disorders, such as sleep-disordered breathing and excessive daytime sleepiness, have been linked to an increased risk of hypoglycemia in people with type 2 diabetes. Proper awareness and management strategies can help minimize the potential effects of nocturnal hypoglycemia.
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Frequently asked questions
Diabetics can take melatonin pills to help with sleep problems. Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that helps control your sleep and wake cycles. It is available over the counter and is generally considered safe for children.
Yes, antihistamines containing diphenhydramine (found in Benadryl or Tylenol PM) or doxyalimine (found in Unisom) can also be used to treat insomnia.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help improve sleep quality. Doctors may also recommend treatments such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or medication like solriamfetol (Sunosi) for specific conditions like sleep apnea.
