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Trouble Sleeping

A DiabetesTeam Member asked a question 💭
Royce City

Ok so I've been a type 2 diabetic for 14 years, and aside from my recent trainwreck sugars, sleep has been my WORST enemy over the years. My feet tingle and itch like their covered in ants, so I spend all night tossing and turning, it's impossible to get comfortable, I never feel properly rested! Any suggestions?

May 24, 2019
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Answer Summary

Members shared strategies for managing the frustrating cycle of poor sleep caused by diabetic neuropathy, with many relating to the constant... Read more

Members shared strategies for managing the frustrating cycle of poor sleep caused by diabetic neuropathy, with many relating to the constant tingling, itching, and restless nights that leave you feeling perpetually exhausted. Several members offered practical relief methods, including using cooling lotions or Biofreeze on feet, trying CBD oil, taking prescribed medications like hydroxyzine for itching and sleep, using cold or heat packs, investing in a white noise machine or vibrating bed, and keeping the bedroom dark and cool. A recurring theme was the importance of establishing a consistent bedtime routine, reserving the bed only for sleep, striking when drowsiness hits, and working with doctors to rule out underlying issues like sleep apnea or to find medications that address both neuropathy symptoms and insomnia.

A DiabetesTeam Member

I have had trouble sleeping also for quite a long time. I have restless leg syndrome which makes me crazy. The doctors have told me to make sure I was in a good routine that was positive for sleep. To never sit in bed and watch TV or work on the computer. Work somewhere else and leave the bed ONLY for sleeping. Get on a routine and put PJ's on early. Then when you start to feel sleepy, strike when the iron is hot! Get right into bed. I use a noise maker that sounds like rain which helps. It blocks every other distracting noise around me. I also have a bed that vibrates. I didn't buy it on purpose, but I am glad I did. It goes off after 20 minutes. Have you thought of putting your feet on a cold pack or heating bad (if either of these relieve the tingling). Make sure your room is very dark (use a sleep mask if you can) and if you get up to use the bathroom, keep lights down as low as you can. Get into a routine of when you sleep, when you don't. See if any foods trigger your foot issues. I found that high blood sugar triggered my restless leg syndrome.You could also get tested for Sleep Apnea which could also be interfering with your sleep. My son is a sleep specialist doctor and has supervised all these changes for me. While not perfect, it has helped.

May 29, 2019
A DiabetesTeam Member

I developed the same problem but my itching was in my head..I thought maybe I had bed bugs but no rash..my doctor finally but my on hydroxyzine HCL 10mg also known as atarax 2 tabs by mouth three times a day or 6 tabs at night and it amazingly helped with the itching and sleep. Warning, atarax can dry you out so be sure to drink fluids. Hope that helps.

June 27, 2019
A DiabetesTeam Member

Try CBD OIL. Works for many things. Get pure organic get it online

June 12, 2019
A DiabetesTeam Member

I am cure going on 2.5 days of no slw9 and i am still wide awake. But when I finally crash I will sleep hard

June 11, 2019
A DiabetesTeam Member

I have type 2 diabetes as of Dec 5th and I don't have a problem sleeping.

June 10, 2019

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