Can't Sleep? You Might Have a Low Blood Sugar
By Rachel Carver
Do you ever toss and turn in the middle of the night for no reason? Do you randomly wake up when you should be asleep? Even people who are not diabetic can still experience low blood sugars.
How Does Blood Sugar Dip During Sleep?
The body uses glucose to keep the heart beating and to work the brain as we sleep. This can cause nightmares, sweats, or shakiness to wake you up through a stress response.
Most adults need 7-8 hours of sleep to feel well and function each day. Research shows people who do not get enough sleep have a higher BMI. Proactively trying to improve your sleep can help you maintain a healthy weight.
Why Is Your Blood Sugar Low at Night?
Everyone can experience fluctuating blood sugar levels. The food you consume and when you consume it can drive your blood sugar up and down.
Here's what might be causing your low blood sugar when you hit the sack.
Skipping Dinner or Not Eating Enough
Maybe your busy night kept you from eating dinner. Maybe you did not eat enough because of calorie restrictions or another reason.
If hunger wakes you up and does not let you go back to sleep, this is probably a good time to eat something small. You need to listen to your hunger cues. These include knowing when you are full and knowing when your body needs fuel.
To prevent this, eat a dinner that will keep your blood sugar steady. Focus on high-fiber carbs, fruits and vegetables, and protein.
Eating the Wrong Bedtime Snack
We relax at the end of the day. This is usually when we reach for comfort foods such as cookies and ice cream. One of the issues with these choices is they are not kind to your blood sugar. They can spike your blood sugar and then quickly drop it, which can affect your sleep.
Instead, focus on high-fiber carbs and proteins for bedtime snacks. Snacks such as Greek yogurt with whole-grain granola will keep your blood sugar more even as you sleep.
Drinking Alcohol
Alcohol may lower blood sugar in some people. It does this by increasing insulin response, dropping blood sugar levels too low and blocking the natural process of turning non-carbohydrates from protein into glucose. This decreases available glucose, lowering blood sugar.
Combat the negative effects of drinking too much by consuming less. Switch to water before you go home. Stay hydrated by consuming water after each alcoholic beverage.
Taking some proactive steps can steady your blood sugar and improve your sleep to give you the rest you need.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Waco, Tex.