{"id":25261,"date":"2024-08-28T11:57:01","date_gmt":"2024-08-28T06:27:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fitterfly.com\/blog\/?p=25261"},"modified":"2024-08-28T11:57:01","modified_gmt":"2024-08-28T06:27:01","slug":"8-simple-secrets-on-why-better-sleep-equals-better-blood-sugar","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fitterfly.com\/blog\/8-simple-secrets-on-why-better-sleep-equals-better-blood-sugar\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Better Sleep Equals Better Blood Sugar: 8 Simple Secrets"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Having trouble sleeping? And then waking up to find your blood sugar has gone haywire?<\/p>\n<p>You&#8217;re definitely not alone! A lot of us might not know,<strong> poor sleep can negatively affect diabetes. <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>No, you don\u2019t need to jump to these sleeping pills. Getting a good night\u2019s sleep is possible without any medications.<\/p>\n<p>First, let\u2019s understand the simple science behind why sleeping better can help you manage your diabetes\u00a0better.<\/p>\n<h2>What is the Connection Between Sleep and Blood Sugar Levels?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To understand this, you\u2019ll first need to understand the relationship between insulin and blood sugar.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When we eat, our body turns the food into glucose, a type of sugar we use for any activity like standing, talking, moving around, or even just sitting. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now enters Insulin\u2019s role. Insulin is the hormone that helps the sugar go from our blood into our body cells to be used up.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> But sometimes, our body doesn&#8217;t listen to insulin well, making it hard for sugar to get into our cells. This problem is called insulin insensitivity, which can make our blood sugar levels too high.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>So, how does sleep help control your blood sugar levels &amp; diabetes?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A good night\u2019s sleep makes our body listen to insulin better. When we&#8217;re well-rested, the cells in our body are more willing to let sugar in, which ultimately helps keep our blood sugar at a healthy level. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That&#8217;s why sleeping well is important for controlling blood sugar and managing diabetes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>However, this process gets disturbed when we don&#8217;t get enough sleep.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-18349 size-full lazyload\" title=\"Did You know- Lack of Sleep makes you feel hungrier and less full\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.fitterfly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Did-You-know-Lack-of-Sleep-makes-you-feel-hungrier-and-less-full.webp\" alt=\"Did You know\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.fitterfly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Did-You-know-Lack-of-Sleep-makes-you-feel-hungrier-and-less-full.webp 600w, https:\/\/www.fitterfly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Did-You-know-Lack-of-Sleep-makes-you-feel-hungrier-and-less-full-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.fitterfly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Did-You-know-Lack-of-Sleep-makes-you-feel-hungrier-and-less-full-150x150.webp 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 600\/600;\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-18349 size-full\" title=\"Did You know- Lack of Sleep makes you feel hungrier and less full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fitterfly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Did-You-know-Lack-of-Sleep-makes-you-feel-hungrier-and-less-full.webp\" alt=\"Did You know\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.fitterfly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Did-You-know-Lack-of-Sleep-makes-you-feel-hungrier-and-less-full.webp 600w, https:\/\/www.fitterfly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Did-You-know-Lack-of-Sleep-makes-you-feel-hungrier-and-less-full-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.fitterfly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Did-You-know-Lack-of-Sleep-makes-you-feel-hungrier-and-less-full-150x150.webp 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/noscript><\/p>\n<h2><b>Can Poor Sleep Increase Your Blood Sugar Levels?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">YES! Less sleep or poor quality sleep can totally affect your blood sugar level and, therefore, your Diabetes. How?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, when you don\u2019t get enough hours of sleep, or your sleep is very disturbed, it makes your body less sensitive to insulin.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> And when insulin is not able to do its job well it is not able to move the glucose in our bloodstream to the cells &#8211; which means more sugar remains in the blood. And <strong>more sugar in the blood <\/strong><\/span><strong>= high blood sugar levels.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is why<\/span><b> poor sleep is often linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><iframe title=\"Diabetes affects sleep &amp; sleep affects diabetes - know why!\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/v_Ogpkp_Vbo?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" data-load-mode=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And high blood sugar and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">poor sleep\u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">are like a vicious cycle. One leads to the other. So, the best way to break this cycle is by doing something simple &#8211; <strong>SLEEP WELL!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are a <\/span><b>few clinically validated strategies to help you sleep better at night:<\/b><\/p>\n<p><iframe title=\"7 tips that will help you sleep faster &amp; better &amp; support you to manage your blood sugar effectively\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/pAlfHbbu50c?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" data-load-mode=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Here&#8217;s a simple plan to help you sleep better at night:<\/p>\n<h2><b>Easy 8-Step Plan for Better Sleep<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are simple and easy techniques that fall under Sleep Hygiene, a collection of practices aimed at ensuring good nighttime sleep quality and full alertness during the day. You can give it a try once:<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>1. Creating a Healthy, Restful Routine &#8211; Dinner Time Habits:<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Set regular dinner times.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make mealtime a family time.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enforce a \u2018no devices at the dining table\u2019 rule for everyone.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Engage in communication, sharing, and laughter.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>2. The Bedroom: Remember the 3 Cs &#8211; Cool, Comfortable, and Clean<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adjust your bedroom temperature to what feels best for you, considering the weather.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ensure mattresses and pillows are firm, supportive, yet comfortable.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep the bedroom clutter-free and smelling fresh, using essential oils or air humidifiers if needed.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>3. Lighting<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Switch to dim or warm lighting in the evenings. Bright lights can disrupt your circadian rhythm, making it hard to sleep at the ideal time.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>4. Minimize Screen Exposure<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Disconnect from devices at least 30 minutes before bedtime. Screens can keep your brain alert, preventing it from transitioning to rest mode. <\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Set your alarm for the next day, then set your phone aside and practice relaxation techniques.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>5. Limit Alcohol and Caffeine Intake<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid caffeine 1-2 hours before bedtime, as it can keep you awake.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>6. Engage in Physical Self-Soothing<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Taking a bath or washing your face, feet, and hands 30 minutes before bedtime can help you cool down and relax.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>7. Relaxation Techniques<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breathing Exercises: Try deep breathing, diaphragmatic breathing, or box breathing before bed to regulate breathing, calm the nervous system, and reduce stress.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Helps relax your muscles and control stress and anxiety.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Humming: Relax facial, neck, and shoulder muscles to fall asleep faster.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>8. Sleep Journal<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keeping a sleep journal to note your sleep duration and disturbances can help identify what affects your sleep quality. Use this information to better manage your sleep.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At Fitterfly, one of the key focus areas in our Diabetes Management Program is <strong>Sleep Management<\/strong>. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our expert coaches, who are qualified Psychologists, employ various medically proven techniques to enhance sleep quality. Do give us a missed call on <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><b>08068507599.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From our experience, maximum members have reported that improving sleep quality, coupled with a proper diet and exercise routine, has significantly impacted their blood sugar level, fasting blood sugar levels, and over time, these positive changes are reflected in the HbA1c levels.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Need One More Reason to Sleep Well?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When people don&#8217;t sleep well enough, they often feel tired and might eat more sugary foods to get energy. This can lead to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">weight gain leading to obesity<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which increases the risk of diabetes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now, don\u2019t steal those desserts from your fridge during the night!!<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>How Much Sleep Do You Really Need?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Figuring out how much sleep you need can be tricky. Most adults need between 7 to 9 hours of sleep. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But it can depend on each individual. What matters more than the sleep hours itself is the <strong>QUALITY OF SLEEP<\/strong>. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, rather than counting your sleep hours, aim at getting good quality, undistubed sleep for 7-9 hours every night. This is all the more imporatnt if you have pre-diabetes or diabetes or are trying to lose weight.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>How Can Technology Improve Your Sleep and Diabetes Management?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before talking about this just ask yourself if that one more episode of your favorite web series is more important than your health?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We know your answer!<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Technology, specifically <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGM)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and fitness bands, significantly enhances diabetes and sleep management. CGMs offer real-time blood sugar monitoring for immediate lifestyle or diet adjustments.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Meanwhile, fitness bands track sleep patterns, identifying disruptions and guiding towards better sleep habits. Together, these tools provide a holistic view of your health, empowering you to make informed decisions for improved well-being.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Skipping that extra episode for more rest or fine-tuning your daily habits can have a <b>HUGE IMPACT<\/b> on managing diabetes effectively.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We hope, this article helped you understand the importance of sleep especially if you are controlling diabetes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Do follow our tips and reach out to us on <\/span><b>08068507599 <\/b>t<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">o know more about our programs and how they can help you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Happy Sleeping \ud83d\ude42<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Explore the connection between sleep and diabetes and how lack of sleep increase blood sugar. Discover 8 effective tips for better sleep management to improve blood sugar levels.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":25262,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"wds_primary_category":468,"footnotes":""},"categories":[468,471],"tags":[],"acf":{"reviewed_by":false,"references":null,"author":"","table_content":null,"medically_reviewed":"","show_updated_date_in_post":"No","faq_list":null,"custom_schema":"","media_url":"","reviewer":null},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fitterfly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25261"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fitterfly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fitterfly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fitterfly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fitterfly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25261"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.fitterfly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25261\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fitterfly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/25262"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fitterfly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25261"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fitterfly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25261"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fitterfly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25261"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}