Studies have shown that more than half of low blood glucose episodes happen during sleep at night. Although this condition is known to have dangerous outcomes, it can be prevented with planning and education. It is important to work with your healthcare provider to create a plan and understand how to manage the condition.
Signs and Symptoms
Hypoglycemia is also known as low blood sugar. This happens when the blood sugar levels drop below 70 mg/dL. This is common in people with diabetes but people without diabetes can experience hypoglycemia as well.
When people are awake during the day, they typically know when their blood sugar is low due to symptoms they may experience or if they have a monitor that informs them of their numbers. Some of the symptoms of hypoglycemia are the following:
Mild to moderate
UncoordinatedIrritable or nervousArgumentative or combativeTrouble concentratingWeakFast or irregular heartbeatShaky or jitterySweatyHungryHeadachyBlurred visionSleepy or tiredDizzy or lightheadedConfused or disorientedPaleChanged behavior or personality
Severe
Unable to eat or drinkSeizures or convulsions (jerky movements)Unconsciousness
Symptoms of nocturnal hypoglycemia
Crying out or having nightmaresSweating enough to make your pajamas or sheets dampFeeling tired, irritable, or confused after waking upTrembling or shakingChanges in breathing (suddenly breathing fast or slowly)Racing heartbeat
Risk Factors and Causes
Risk factors for hypoglycemia include:
Skipping mealsDelaying mealsIncreasing physical activity beyond your normal routineNot eating enough carbohydratesConsuming too much alcohol without the proper amount of foodBeing sick
Some factors that cause nocturnal hypoglycemia include:
Exercising before bedtimeDrinking alcohol before bedSkipping meals (typically dinner)Having infections
It is important to work with your healthcare provider and discuss your specific symptoms and create a proper plan for the best outcome.
Diagnosing Nocturnal Hypoglycemia
Nocturnal hypoglycemia can be difficult to detect because when a person experiences it they are sleeping. A partner or roommate in the company of the person experiencing nocturnal hypoglycemia can help.
Some of the following symptoms can help detect the condition.
Crying out or having nightmaresSweating enough to make your pajamas or sheets dampFeeling tired, irritable, or confused after waking upTrembling or shakingChanges in breathing (suddenly breathing fast or slowly)Racing heartbeat
Another way to detect nocturnal hypoglycemia is with a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). A CGM is a device that checks blood glucose levels regularly throughout the day and at night. It will have an alert if the blood glucose is falling fast and an alarm will go off if the blood glucose is too low. This device is loud enough that a person will wake up if nocturnal hypoglycemia occurs.
Preventing Nocturnal Hypoglycemia
There are some ways to prevent nocturnal hypoglycemia. This includes:
Checking blood sugar levels before bedUsing the continuous glucose monitorAvoiding skipping dinnerFinding an exercise routine and time that is best for your conditionWatching your alcohol intakeEating according to your plan established by your healthcare provider
Eat 15 grams of carbohydrates (this can include four glucose tablets or four ounces of fruit juice)Check the blood sugar 15 minutes later
