What Happens If Blood Sugar Gets Too Low While Sleeping?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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When blood sugar levels drop during the night, you may have

nightmares

, cry out during sleep, or other sleep disturbances. Lack of coordination, chills, clammy skin, and sweating can happen with low blood sugar. Tingling or numbness of the mouth are other effects that may develop.

What should I eat before bed to avoid hypoglycemia?

  • A handful of nuts. …
  • A hard-boiled egg. …
  • Low-fat cheese and whole-wheat crackers. …
  • Baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, or cucumber slices. …
  • Celery sticks with hummus. …
  • Air-popped popcorn. …
  • Roasted chickpeas.

How do I prevent low blood sugar at night?

  1. Check Your Blood Sugar Before Bed. …
  2. Know the Signs of Low Overnight Blood Sugar. …
  3. Don’t Skip Dinner. …
  4. Avoid Excessive Exercise Late at Night. …
  5. Limit Alcohol at Night. …
  6. Be Prepared.

Is it normal for blood sugar to drop 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.

Can’t sleep because of low blood sugar?

Nocturnal hypoglycemia has been found to be a common cause of

insomnia

. When there is a drop in the blood glucose level, it causes the release of hormones that regulate glucose levels. These compounds stimulate the brain and are a natural signal that it is time to eat.

What is the best snack for low blood sugar?

  • a piece of fruit or handful of berries and whole-grain crackers.
  • Greek yogurt mixed with berries.
  • an apple with a spoonful of peanut butter and a slice of cheese.
  • a small handful of mixed dried fruit and nuts.
  • a no-sugar peanut butter and jelly sandwich on whole-grain bread.

What is dangerously low blood sugar?

Low blood sugar is called hypoglycemia. A blood sugar level

below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L)

is low and can harm you. A blood sugar level below 54 mg/dL (3.0 mmol/L) is a cause for immediate action.

How low can your sugar level go before you pass out?

Anytime your blood sugar drops

below 50 mg/dL

, you should act whether you have symptoms or not. If your blood sugar level drops very low (usually below 20 mg/dL), you may lose consciousness or have a seizure. If you have symptoms of severe low blood sugar, you need medical care immediately.

Can low blood sugar wake you up at night?

What are the signs of hypoglycemia? An

individual may frequently wake up in the middle of the night as a result of nighttime hypoglycemia

. In other instances, though, people may know if they experienced hypoglycemia during their sleep if they notice the following symptoms: Waking up with a headache.

What makes blood sugar drop?


Taking too much medication, skipping meals, eating less than normal, or exercising more than usual

can lead to low blood sugar for these individuals. Blood sugar is also known as glucose. Glucose comes from food and serves as an important energy source for the body.

What should your blood sugar be while sleeping?

Normal glucose levels while sleeping

In a healthy individual, glucose levels will go up and down while you sleep, which is normal. Despite this, they should generally stay within the range of

70-100 mg/dl

.

How do you feel when your sugar is low?

  1. sweating.
  2. feeling tired.
  3. dizziness.
  4. feeling hungry.
  5. tingling lips.
  6. feeling shaky or trembling.
  7. a fast or pounding heartbeat (palpitations)
  8. becoming easily irritated, tearful, anxious or moody.

What is normal blood sugar by age?

Chart of Normal Blood Sugar Levels in Children Age Wise Age Blood Sugar levels after Fasting Blood Sugar Levels After 1 to 2 Hours of Eating 6 to 12 years >80 to 180 mg/dL Up to 140 mg/dL
13 to 19 years


>70 to 150 mg/dL

Up to 140 mg/dL

What happens if blood sugar gets too low?

Most people will feel the effects and symptoms of low blood sugar when blood glucose levels are lower than 50 mg/dL. Symptoms and signs include

nervousness, dizziness, trembling, sweating, hunger, weakness, and palpitations

. Severe cases may lead to seizures and loss of consciousness.

Does low blood sugar make you sleepy?


Low blood sugar can also cause fatigue

, especially in people who do not get enough warning that their blood sugars levels are dropping. A person can also feel fatigued after treatment of low blood sugar.

Does hypoglycemia go away?

Hypoglycemia caused by sulfonylurea or long-acting insulin may take longer to resolve, but usually

goes away in one to two days

.

Sophia Kim
Author
Sophia Kim
Sophia Kim is a food writer with a passion for cooking and entertaining. She has worked in various restaurants and catering companies, and has written for several food publications. Sophia's expertise in cooking and entertaining will help you create memorable meals and events.