Nocturnal hypoglycemia is when the person’s glucose levels drop below 70 mg/dl while sleeping. Some studies have shown that about half of the episodes of low blood sugar levels occur after midnight. Several factors could impact your nocturnal glucose levels, including the time you exercise, the amount of food you eat, hormonal imbalances, and the consumption of alcohol.
How to stabilise your nocturnal glucose levels
• Avoid strenuous or heavy exercise before bedtime: the body uses more glucose during training. This can result in hypoglycemia at night.
• Eat adequately before exercising: nourish your body to fuel your exercise sessions.
• Try and schedule your workouts before 3 p.m. Exercise increases glucose uptake by muscle cells, which can decrease blood sugar levels. Ensuring you allow for a significant gap between your workouts and bedtime may help prevent exercise-induced dips in your glucose levels.
• To maintain a steady glucose level throughout the night, try and consume a well-balanced carbohydrate meal for dinner. You can choose complex carbohydrates with sufficient fibre paired with balanced protein. This will provide a stable curve and give you the right amount of glucose required for good-quality sleep.
Nocturnal hypoglycemia is associated with how the body regulates blood sugar levels and the normal circadian rhythm of hormones that help control those levels. actors that promote glucose metabolism may cause a drop in your glucose levels at night. To prevent nocturnal hypoglycemia, be consistent in your eating schedule and monitor your blood sugar levels regularly. If you have diabetes, work with a healthcare professional to adjust medication dosages and develop an individualised treatment plan to ensure stable glucose levels at night.
