Anecdotal evidence on some of the diabetes forums shows that melatonin and antihistamines are the most popular way of treating insomnia. These meds are also “light” enough that they won't knock you out so much that you won't wake up naturally in an emergency — or from a low blood sugar.
The research team concluded that short-term use of prolonged-release melatonin improves sleep maintenance in people who have type 2 diabetes and insomnia without affecting blood glucose and lipid metabolism.
Fortunately, sleeping aids exist for people with diabetes to help improve their shut-eye experiences. Over the years, some have opined that “any kind of sleep aid is taboo” for those living with diabetes (especially those on insulin), but that's a myth (aka #FakeNews).
Researchers have discovered that increasing levels of the sleep hormone melatonin reduces the ability of insulin-producing cells to release insulin.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has shown to be associated with higher incidence of sleep disorders, which may be due to disease itself or because of secondary complications or associated comorbidities associated with diabetes.
Low blood glucose at night
When blood glucose levels fall below 70 mg/dl while sleeping at night, the person experiences a condition called nocturnal hypoglycemia. Studies suggest that almost half of all episodes of low blood glucose — and more than half of all severe episodes — occur at night during sleep.
There are many reports that metformin can result in some sleep problems, especially insomnia. On the other hand, metformin is proven to be useful for preventing sleep apnea. The exact relationship between metformin and sleep problems is still not clear, and further studies for a more clear understanding are warranted.
Conclusions. Melatonin improves the beneficial effects of metformin on insulin sensitivity and body mass gain in high-fat fed Sprague-Dawley rats. Therefore, the combination of melatonin and metformin could be beneficial to develop dual therapies to treat or delay type 2 diabetes associated with obesity.
The effects of melatonin on insulin secretion are mediated through the melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2). It decreases insulin secretion by inhibiting cAMP and cGMP pathways but activates the phospholipaseC/IP3 pathway, which mobilizes Ca2+from organelles and, consequently increases insulin secretion.
Can Sleep Raise or Lower Glucose Levels? Although it sounds contradictory, sleep can both raise and lower glucose levels. Our bodies experience a cycle of changes every day—called a circadian rhythm—which naturally raises blood sugar levels at night and when a person sleeps.
Trouble sleeping from high sugar levels
High blood sugar levels can impact upon your sleep. It could be that the high levels make it less comfortable for you to sleep – it may make you feel too warm or irritable and unsettled. Another factor is if you need to go the toilet during the night.
If you get less than 7 hours of sleep per night regularly, your diabetes will be harder to manage. Too little sleep can: Increase insulin resistance. Make you hungrier the next day and reduce how full you feel after eating.
Avoid eating lots of food close to bedtime. For diaTribe writer Adam Brown, the key to staying in range overnight is low-carb, early dinners, with no snacking after dinner. Consider eating less food at night and taking more basal insulin to cover your evening meal.
Try to limit drinks with a lot of sugar, such as sweet sherries, sweet wines and liqueurs. Have diet or sugar-free mixers with any spirits – if a friend gets one for you, make it clear what you need. Some drinks like beers, ales and ciders contain carbs and will increase your blood sugar levels initially.
Metformin (Fortamet, Glumetza, others) is generally the first medication prescribed for type 2 diabetes. It works primarily by lowering glucose production in the liver and improving your body's sensitivity to insulin so that your body uses insulin more effectively.
Long-term side effects
Taking metformin can cause vitamin B12 deficiency if you take it for a long time. This can make you feel very tired, breathless and faint, so your doctor may check the vitamin B12 level in your blood. If your vitamin B12 levels become too low, vitamin B12 supplements will help.
Outside of their work, other scientists are hailing metformin as a wonder drug not only because of its effect on Type 2 diabetes, but because of its emerging prominence in cancer research and potential influence in the lungs of those diagnosed with tuberculosis.
The administration of metformin, as glucophage retard, at bedtime instead of supper time may improve diabetes control by reducing morning hyperglycemia.
These early morning wake-up calls often are simply one of many low blood sugar symptoms. Sleeping through the night represents a long period without food when blood sugar can drop too low. This is bad news for the brain, which depends on glucose for energy.
Barley or jau water is high in insoluble fibre, which makes it good for diabetics. It is recommended for diabetics as it helps stabilise blood glucose levels. Make sure you drink unsweetened barley water to get effective results. The antioxidant properties of barley water also helps keep many diseases at bay.
That early morning jump in your blood sugar? It's called the dawn phenomenon or the dawn effect. It usually happens between 2 and 8 a.m.