An adult should get at least 7 hours of sleep daily according to health recommendations, yet sleep disorders and insomnia are common problems among most people.
A study conducted by nutritionist and researcher in clinical nutrition, Raeda Basiri at Fairfax University, showed that blood sugar levels, whether in diabetics or non-diabetics, are related to the quality of sleep.
The research concluded that blood sugar patterns, diabetes management, and the types of food individuals consume are all linked to the quality of their sleep, as follows:
Diabetes
• Diabetics were more prone to sleep problems, being diagnosed with sleep disorders, and disruptions in their sleep duration compared to non-diabetics.
According to "Medical Express", people with prediabetes showed similar patterns but not as strongly.
• Following a strict diet to control diabetes was associated with increased sleep disturbances, indicating that the types of food consumed could play a significant role in sleep quality.
Protein and Carbohydrates
Diets low in protein, especially when paired with high fat intake, were most associated with sleep disturbances in general.
Conversely, low-carb, high-fat diets were linked to a decreased likelihood of short sleep duration among both diabetics and non-diabetics.
The research highlights the importance of considering both dietary patterns and blood sugar levels when creating strategies to improve sleep.
