7 Reasons Why People with Diabetes or High Blood Pressure Have Sleep Disturbances

Sleep is essential for good health, but many people with diabetes or hypertension are unable to sleep well at night. Poor sleep pattern not only causes tiredness and fatigue but also make it difficult to control blood sugar and blood pressure. Here are the important reasons why these conditions interfere with sleep:

  1. Nocturia

People with diabetes often have the complaint of frequent urination due to hyperglycemia. So, they wake up several times during the night to pass urine. Similarly, individuals with high blood pressure may be prescribed diuretics to lower blood pressure, which also increases nighttime urination. These cause breaks in the natural sleep cycle and prevent the body from entering deep sleep. Over time, this leads to daytime tiredness and irritability.

  1. Nerve Pain

In longstanding diabetes, nerve damage is a common complication. Many people experience burning, tingling, or sharp stabbing pain at night, which becomes worse when lying still in bed. This discomfort makes it difficult to sleep easily and often leads to multiple awakenings. Neuropathic pain tends to persist and can significantly affect sleep quality.

  1. Low or High Blood Sugar at Night

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) may cause sweating, shakiness, palpitations, or vivid nightmares, while high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) can lead to thirst, restlessness, and frequent urination. Both conditions cause people with diabetes to wake up suddenly, preventing a full night’s sound sleep. Fluctuation in blood sugar contributes to morning fatigue and headaches, making daily management of diabetes more challenging.

  1. Sleep Apnea and Snoring

People with diabetes and hypertension are at a higher risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition where breathing is difficult during sleep. Extra weight around the neck, poor airway muscle tone, and insulin resistance all increase this risk. OSA causes loud snoring, choking episodes, and sleep disturbances. It also causes hypoxia (reduced oxygen levels) in the blood, which further raises blood pressure. Untreated sleep apnea not only disturbs sleep but also increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.

  1. Restless Legs Syndrome

Restless Legs Syndrome is a neurological condition that causes unpleasant sensations in the legs, such as itching, crawling, or tingling, especially at night. People might feel an uncontrollable urge to move their legs to relieve discomfort. RLS is more common in those with diabetes due to nerve damage or iron deficiency. As the symptoms are worse when lying down, it becomes very hard to fall asleep.

  1. Stress and Anxiety

Diabetes and high blood pressure are chronic conditions which often lead to stress, fear, and anxiety. Worrying about blood sugar fluctuations, long-term complications, or high readings can prevent the mind from relaxing at bedtime. Stress also increases cortisol, a hormone which keeps the body alert and disturbs sleep. Over time, sleep deprivation worsens stress levels and affects both mental and physical health.

  1. Medication Side Effects

Several medicines prescribed for diabetes and hypertension can interfere with sleep. For example, steroids may cause insomnia, while beta-blockers may lead to vivid dreams or frequent awakenings. Blood pressure medicines (diuretics) cause frequent nighttime urination. Even certain diabetes medicines can cause low blood sugar at night, leading to restlessness. While these drugs are important for managing health, their impact on sleep should also be considered.

Conclusion

Sleep issues are common in people with diabetes and high blood pressure. Managing blood sugar carefully, maintaining a consistent bedtime routine, staying physically active, and seeking treatment for sleep disorders will help to improve sleep. Good sleep is not just a luxury; it is very important for controlling both diabetes and hypertension effectively.

For More

To Book an Appointment: https://drmohansdiabetes.co.in/enroll/?campname=website