How Sugar Can Affect Your Sleep and Sleep Apnea

When 1 in 3 American adults is not getting enough uninterrupted sleep, there's clearly a problem. Good sleeping patterns are vital for our health. That's why it's important to figure out why someone might be having trouble sleeping, and find a solution. In today's world, one of the biggest culprits is sugar.

Sugar and sleep don't go together. But with sugar-filled diets, this means a lot of people are suffering. These problems are even worse for people with sleeping issues like sleep apnea. Keep reading to learn more about the effects of sugar on sleep quality.

Sugar and Insulin

Every time you eat or drink something raises your blood sugar levels. This triggers your body to release insulin, which is the substance that breaks down blood sugar and converts it into energy.

Healthier and less-processed foods require less insulin to be broken down. But sugar requires a lot of insulin. This means the more sugar you're eating, the more insulin your body is releasing to break it down.

Insulin and Cortisol

The reason insulin breaks down blood sugar is so that your body has energy. So, when insulin is released in the body, it sends signals to your brain to release the hormone cortisol.

Cortisol is also known as the stress hormone. This is because it's the hormone that controls your body's alertness, metabolism, and immune system.

When your body receives energy from sugar consumption, it assumes you're going to use this energy.

Cortisol and the Circadian Rhythm

Cortisol operates on a 24-hour system, called the circadian rhythm. This is the natural energy rhythm your body has that wakes you up in the morning and leaves you tired in the evening. A good circadian rhythm prompts you to wake up and then gets boosts from meals throughout the day.

The problem with too much sugar is that it leads to cortisol spikes. These spikes throw off the natural energy rhythm of your body. This is why you might feel wired when you're trying to sleep, even if you're exhausted.

Sugar and Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea can be linked to increased insulin resistance. This means the body stops producing the amount of insulin it needs. This can even develop into diabetes.

Sleep apnea is already a huge hindrance to sleep quality. If circadian rhythms are disrupted too, this means the sleep quality will only worsen. That's why it's important for people with sleep apnea to treat it with the right equipment and cut sugar from their diets as much as possible.

Reducing Sugar Intake for Better Sleep

It's not possible to consume a lot of sugar and sleep well. Sugar leads to insulin release, which leads to cortisol spiking. These spikes throw off your natural sleeping rhythms.

This effect is even worse for those with sleeping disorders. Reduce your sugar intake, and you'll see a difference in your sleep quality.

Contact us for all your sleep apnea supply needs! We want to help you get the best quality sleep possible.