Slept poorly? This is why your blood sugar is all over the place today
Why that short night completely messes with your blood sugar (and your sugar cravings).
We all know the feeling: the alarm goes off, you've only had five hours of sleep, and the only thing you can think about is a double espresso and something sweet. You don't just feel groggy; you also notice that your blood sugar levels are taking on a life of their own today. No matter how hard you try to eat healthily, the numbers on your sensor just don't seem to add up.
It’s not your fault. There is a direct link between your night's rest and your glucose levels. Let’s look at why a bad night puts your body into 'survival mode'.
The stress response of a tired body When you don't get enough sleep, your body perceives it as a form of stress. Your cortisol level (your stress hormone) spikes. And guess what? Cortisol tells your liver to release glucose into your bloodstream, just in case you need to run away from a bear. Except... there is no bear. There is only a meeting or a busy day. The result is a blood sugar level that rises without you even having eaten anything.
Additionally, you become more prone to insulin resistance after a bad night. Your cells simply don't listen as well to your body's signal to absorb sugar.
3 ways to save your day (after a rough night) Can you feel the fatigue in your bones? Apply these three things to limit the damage:
- Skip the 'comfort breakfast': You might crave oatmeal with lots of fruit or a croissant, but your body is less equipped to handle carbohydrates today. Opt for eggs, quark, or avocado. Proteins and fats are your best friends on days when you are tired.
- Walk away the stress: A short 15-minute walk after lunch helps to process the cortisol in your blood faster. It is the most effective way to get that 'morning spike' under control after all.
- Hydrate more than usual: Fatigue often disguises itself as hunger. Drink a large glass of water (perhaps with a pinch of salt or some lemon) before you reach for that sugary snack.
Listen to your body Sometimes the best 'diabetes hack' isn't food, but rest. A night of catching up on sleep does more for your blood sugar than any diet ever could.
Do you want to discover how your daily habits – from sleep to movement – influence your energy? Join the Glucose Challenge. In our application, you can log your sleep and blood sugar, so you can see for yourself where your personal 'wins' are.
[Sign up for free now and get a grip on your energy!]
This blog is informative and does not replace medical advice.