Sleep and Wellness with Diabetes

Getting a good night's sleep and achieving deep, restful sleep is a daily challenge for millions of people around the world for a variety of reasons. However, if you live with diabetes, you know that sleep can be even more complicated. Lack of rest affects not only mood, but also the control of blood glucose levels. It is proven that sleep quality and diabetes are closely related: sleeping little or poorly can increase insulin resistance, which complicates diabetes management.

November 14th is World Diabetes Day and in this blog we explore how CBD can be an ally in the management of this condition, improving sleep quality and reducing oxidative stress. Discovering how CBD can contribute to rest and promote different health processes can be a first step towards a better quality of life for those living with diabetes.

How diabetes can affect sleep

Having diabetes doesn't necessarily mean you have trouble sleeping, but certain symptoms of the condition can make getting a good night's sleep more difficult.

• High blood sugar levels : Hyperglycemia can cause frequent urination, which means that if a person experiences a hyperglycemic event during the night, they may have to get up to go to the bathroom. Additionally, when there is excess glucose in the body, it tends to draw water from the tissues, which causes dehydration and may wake the person up to drink water.
• Symptoms of discomfort : Hyperglycemia can also make a person feel hot, irritable, and uncomfortable at night, which affects their ability to fall and stay asleep.
• Somogyi effect and dawn phenomenon : People with diabetes may experience a sudden increase in blood sugar levels due to a rebound effect after a low blood sugar or hormonal changes in the body, both known as the Somogyi effect or dawn phenomenon.
• Low blood sugar : Hypoglycemia can also affect sleep quality. It is not uncommon for hypoglycemic episodes to occur during sleep, causing sweating, shaking, hunger, and nightmares. Even if a person does not wake up or notice these symptoms, nocturnal hypoglycemia can impact their quality of life, mood, and performance the next day. It can also decrease the ability to detect and respond to hypoglycemic episodes during the day.
• Correcting glucose levels : Waking up due to a disturbance in blood sugar levels requires a person to adjust their glucose, either with insulin or carbohydrates. This process can make you feel more alert and make it difficult to fall back asleep.

Recognizing how these symptoms affect rest is key to finding strategies that help improve sleep and, therefore, the quality of life of those living with diabetes.

The Relationship Between Sleep and Diabetes

Rest is about more than just recharging energy; it is critical for diabetes management. Lack of sleep can increase levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that interferes with the action of insulin, making it difficult to control blood sugar. Getting a good night’s sleep not only improves energy levels, but it is also key to reducing insulin resistance and promoting a stable metabolism. For those living with diabetes, maintaining a regular sleep schedule can be very beneficial.

TIP: Try to establish a nighttime routine that allows you to relax your body and mind before going to sleep, since consistency in schedules helps the body adapt its rhythms and makes diabetes management easier.

In addition, insufficient sleep can promote weight gain, a risk factor in type 2 diabetes. Sleep deprivation disrupts appetite-regulating hormones such as leptin and ghrelin, leading to more sugary foods. Getting a good night's sleep thus becomes a tool for weight control, promoting not only physical well-being but also long-term diabetes management.

Research suggests that sleep can have positive effects on insulin resistance and glycemic control. This makes rest an essential ally in the treatment of diabetes, where a restful night's sleep has a direct impact on glucose levels the next day. Taking every opportunity to improve sleep quality can make a big difference for those who struggle daily with diabetes.

TIP: Create an environment conducive to sleep: dim the lights, take a warm bath, keep the room at a comfortable temperature, and in some cases, consider CBD as a natural option to facilitate rest.

How to get deep rest if you live with diabetes

Deep sleep is essential as this is when the body repairs itself and regulates critical levels, such as blood glucose.

Having good sleep habits, known as "sleep hygiene," can help people achieve a good night's rest. These habits include:

• Maintain a consistent bedtime and wake-up time, even on weekends.

• Sleep in a quiet, dark, relaxing environment at a comfortable temperature.

• Remove electronic devices, such as phones, tablets, and televisions, from the bedroom.

• Avoid heavy meals, caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime.

• Stay physically active during the day, as exercise can help you fall asleep more easily at night.

The Role of CBD in the Comprehensive Health of People with Diabetes

CBD has emerged as a natural option that can help people with diabetes sleep better and alleviate some of the discomforts that come with it, especially nerve pain, which is a common cause of sleep disruptions. Thanks to its inflammation- and pain-reducing properties, CBD allows for deeper rest, easing the discomfort that many people with diabetes feel at night.
Furthermore, CBD acts on a body system that helps regulate functions such as sleep, pain, and appetite, which can also make it easier to control sugar levels and reduce cravings that arise during times of stress. Some studies indicate that CBD could reduce inflammation in the pancreas, an organ essential for insulin production, which would be beneficial for blood sugar stability.
In addition, and one of its greatest benefits, CBD helps reduce cortisol, a hormone that the body releases when we are stressed, and which can make pain feel stronger. This combined effect of reducing pain and stress makes CBD a good option to improve overall well-being.
To get the most out of its benefits, we recommend including our CBDZen in a nighttime relaxation routine, such as a hot bath or listening to calming music before bed. These habits, along with a healthy lifestyle, can make CBD a good complement to improve sleep and quality of life in people with diabetes.

Start Improving Your Sleep Today!

Ready to make sleep your best ally in managing diabetes? Try making small changes, such as including CBDZen into your nighttime routine or establish a consistent sleep schedule. Observe how your body responds and give these adjustments time. These simple steps can lead you to renewed well-being, improving your health and quality of life in a holistic way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How does CBD help with sleep?
   CBD interacts with brain receptors that regulate sleep and anxiety, facilitating deep, restful sleep.
2. Can CBD improve blood sugar levels?
   While CBD is not a substitute for medication, some studies suggest it may support glucose regulation alongside healthy habits.
3. Is it safe to use CBD for neuropathic pain associated with diabetes?
   Yes, but consult your doctor. CBD can relieve neuropathic pain thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
4. When is the best time to take CBD for sleep?
   Taking it an hour before bedtime allows its relaxing effect to help you fall asleep more easily.
5. Can CBD interfere with diabetes medications?
   It is generally safe, but it is advisable to consult your doctor to avoid interactions.

References

1. Walker, M., Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams, Scribner, 2017【6†source】.
2. Stickgold, R., & Walker, MP, The Neuroscience of Sleep, Elsevier, 2009【7†source
3. Shannon S, Lewis N, Lee H, Hughes S. Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series. Perm J. 2019;23:18-041. doi: 10.7812/TPP/18-041. PMID: 30624194; PMCID: PMC6326553.