Can Sleep Disorders Cause Diabetes?

There's a strong association between sleep disorders and diabetes, but sometimes it's not entirely clear if diabetes causes sleep disorders, or if sleep disorders cause diabetes. It's sort of a 'which comes first' kind of question.

According to CNN.com, "People who consistently get too little sleep face bigger concerns than daytime fatigue and crankiness. Over the long term, sleep deprivation also increases the risk of serious health problems including obesity and type II diabetes".

Why? Because not getting enough sleep increases the body's insulin resistance, which can cause diabetes.

So, can sleep disorders cause diabetes? Yes. But the answer is also yes for sleep disorders to be symptoms of diabetes.

Regardless of which comes first, a good night's sleep can help improve symptoms of diabetes. Here are some simple tips to getting the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep per night:

• Avoid alcohol before bed, it can narrow your breathing passageways and impede a good night's sleep.
• Listen to binaural beats using your SleepPhones®. They can help you fall asleep and stay asleep.
• Avoid stimulants like caffeine in the evening before bed.
• Put your cell phone and computer away before bed and sleep in complete darkness.
• And last but not least, speak with your doctor about any concerns you have about your risks for diabetes and problems with sleeping.