Your Health

How Does Diabetes Affect Sleep?

Common Sleep Issues Associated with Diabetes

Insomnia and Restless Leg Syndrome

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder. It is characterized by the difficulty to fall asleep and stay asleep at night. As a result, people with this problem may feel tired when waking up in the next day. The risk of insomnia is higher in people with high levels of blood glucose and high levels of stress. If left untreated, insomnia may affect the quality of your life and lead to many problems at work, school, and in the family. [5]

Restless leg syndrome is a condition that cause the urge to move the legs constantly. This problem mostly occurs at night, making it more difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep at night. A deficiency of iron is the most common cause of restless leg syndrome. Possible risk factors include thyroid problems, kidney issues, and high levels of blood glucose. That’s why people with diabetes may be at a higher risk. Smoking may also trigger restless leg syndrome, so make sure to quit if you have many problems with your sleep. [6]