Dr Brewer explored the role of beta cells in the pancreas, which are primed to monitor spikes in blood sugar (i.e glucose). When this happens, insulin is released. However, not sleeping enough could disturb this process. Insulin instructs the body’s cells to absorb glucose (sugar in the blood). When a person routinely doesn’t get enough shuteye, the beta cells become less sensitive to glucose.
Dr Brewer noted that stress can “decrease leptin and increase ghrelin (hunger hormones)”.
This can cause diabetics to wake up early, feeling hungry, because of unstable blood sugar.
“If diabetes and blood sugar levels are managed – sleep can improve, and vice versa,” said Dr Brewer.
The National Sleep Foundation stated that adults, including seniors, need between seven to nine hours of sleep each night.
In order to help you sleep better, Dr Brewer noted that daily exercise can help promote healthy sleep habits.
Exercise can also boost metabolism and stabilise blood sugar levels, so it’s a win-win.
Imbalanced blood sugar could mean your body doesn’t have enough energy to sleep through the night.
Thus, Dr Brewer recommends eating “three good meals per day, low on the glycemic index, to give the body the nutrition it needs to support a restful night’s sleep”.
Sleep hygiene is of paramount importance too, meaning people should go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day.
In order to help balance blood sugar levels, Dr Brewer recommends CuraLin supplements.
“The nutritional supplement is made from a mixture of 10 natural ingredients, including fenugreek, which work with the body to help balance blood sugar,” she explained.
Another tip from Dr Brewer is to meditate or read before bed to “help switch off”.