From Sugar Crash To Slumber How Does High Blood Sugar Makes You Sleepy?

Introduction

‘Why does High Sugar make you sleepy?’, ‘Is falling asleep after eating a sign of diabetes?’ such questions are commonly asked by pre-diabetic and diabetic patients. Patients are eager to know the impact of sugar on their sleeping habits.

In this article, we have discussed whether sugar is a causative factor in your sleep and the association of this phenomenon with Diabetes Mellitus.

Many people begin to feel tired after eating their meals. Sleeping after eating has become a common habit for many people. While some believe it is a harmless practice, others warn that it could be a severe warning sign for diabetes.

Understanding the science behind the topic is crucial to help us determine whether it is a safe or risky practice.

We will also examine the science behind sleeping after eating, the benefits of the practice, the risks of developing diabetes, and how to sleep after eating safely.

Why does high sugar make you sleepy?

Many people might have heard, ‘Sugar makes them sleepy.’ However, most of them need to be made aware of the mechanism behind it. When we consume sugar, our bodies release insulin to help regulate blood sugar levels. Insulin is a hormone that allows cells to absorb glucose from the bloodstream for energy.

However, when we consume a lot of sugar, our bodies may produce more insulin than is needed, which can cause blood sugar levels to drop rapidly.

This sudden drop in blood sugar levels can lead to feelings of fatigue and lethargy, commonly referred to as the “sugar crash.” In addition, consuming large amounts of sugar can also lead to inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, which can further contribute to feelings of fatigue and reduced energy levels.

Furthermore, consuming sugar before bed can disrupt our sleep patterns, leading to feelings of grogginess and drowsiness the next day. Eating sugar can cause a spike in blood sugar levels, interfering with the release of sleep-inducing hormones such as melatonin.

This disruption to our sleep-wake cycle can result in daytime drowsiness and reduced cognitive function.

The science behind sleeping after eating

When we eat, our bodies start the digestive process by breaking down the food into smaller molecules that the bloodstream can absorb. Digestive enzymes and other chemicals in our stomach and intestines facilitate this process. Once the nutrients are absorbed into our bloodstream, they are transported to our cells, which are used for energy and to repair and maintain our body tissues.

Sleep is a crucial time for our bodies to repair and restore themselves. During sleep, our body releases hormones that promote tissue growth and repair, and our immune system also becomes more active to fight off infections and other threats.

However, when we sleep immediately after eating, our bodies must divide their resources between digestion and repair, which can disrupt both processes.

Several factors can influence the effects of sleeping after eating. The type of food we eat can impact how quickly it is digested and absorbed. For example, foods high in fat and protein take longer to digest than carbohydrates, slowing the digestive process.

Additionally, our activity level after eating can affect how well our bodies can digest food. Light activities like walking can help stimulate digestion and reduce discomfort while lying down or sleeping can slow down the process and lead to discomfort.

Harmless habit benefits of sleeping after eating

While it is commonly believed that sleeping after eating can disrupt the digestive process, research has also shown that there are potential benefits to this habit. One of the main advantages is improved digestion.

When we sleep, our bodies can focus on repairing and restoring cells, which can help support the digestive process. Digestion is facilitated and may even be improved by allowing our bodies to concentrate on repair and restoration.

Another benefit of sleeping after eating is reduced stress levels. When we are stressed, our bodies release hormones that can interfere with digestion and even cause inflammation in the gut. Sleeping after eating can reduce stress levels and promote a more relaxed state, which can help support healthy digestion and overall health.

Furthermore, sleeping after eating can also lead to better sleep quality. When we sleep, our bodies enter into different stages of sleep, including REM and non-REM sleep.

These stages are essential for repairing and restoring our cells, and they can also help improve cognitive function, mood, and overall well-being. By sleeping after eating, we can help promote these restorative stages of sleep, resulting in better overall sleep quality.

Research has also suggested that sleeping after eating can benefit weight loss. Sleeping can help regulate appetite hormones, reducing late-night snacking and overeating.

In addition, by promoting better sleep quality, we can help reduce stress levels and improve our overall well-being, which can also help support healthy weight management.

Is falling asleep after eating a sign of diabetes?

Although sleeping after eating may have potential benefits, it is important for individuals at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes to be aware of the associated risks of this habit. Research has shown that sleeping immediately after eating can increase blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of developing diabetes.

When we eat, our bodies release insulin, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. However, when we sleep, our bodies become less sensitive to insulin, which can lead to higher blood sugar levels. This effect can be exacerbated if we eat a large meal close to bedtime and then immediately fall asleep.

Consistently high blood sugar levels can lead to insulin resistance, a condition in which the body becomes less responsive to insulin. This can ultimately lead to Type 2 diabetes, a chronic disease characterized by high blood sugar levels and various health complications.

How to sleep after eating safely?

There are ways to sleep after eating safely. “We should eat our last meal at least two to three hours before bedtime because the timing of meals is crucial.. We should also avoid consuming heavy meals close to bedtime, as this can lead to discomfort and difficulty sleeping.

Moreover, meal composition is essential, and we should eat a balanced meal with protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Lastly, engaging in light activities after eating, such as walking, can improve digestion and reduce the risk of developing diabetes.

Role of CGM in Improving Our Sleeping Habits

The vital role of the Continuous Glucose Monitoring System in improving your sleeping habits is that it provides you with real-time data on your blood glucose fluctuations. Diabetic patients mostly do not know the reason behind their lethargies and sleepiness. They might be fatigued due to overwork.

They may also be feeling sleepy due to increased blood sugar levels. You can use a good quality and reliable CGM system to distinguish between the two factors. If you are feeling sleepy and your CGM is showing a spike in your blood sugar levels, it means you need to take an appropriate remedy to control your blood glucose levels.

Among all CGM systems available in the market, Dexcom G7 and freestyle Libre 3 are the most appropriate options to choose from. Both these devices are highly famous for their distinctive features and high accuracy.

You can buy Dexcom G7, Freestyle Libre 3, and other remarkable CGM devices from our website. We demand zero shipping fees and promptly deliver the tools to your doorstep.

Conclusion

‘Is falling asleep after eating a sign of diabetes’ is a debated topic, and the practice has benefits and risks. While it can improve digestion, reduce stress levels, and improve sleep quality, it can also increase the risk of developing diabetes.

To sleep after eating safely, we should time our meals appropriately, eat a balanced meal, engage in light activities, and avoid heavy meals close to bedtime.

By following these recommendations, we can enjoy the benefits of sleeping after eating while minimizing the risks.