Poor sleep (and little of it) can significantly increase the incidence of type 2 diabetes. If you already have diabetes, it can make things a whole lot more difficult.
Bad sleep habits can cause your blood glucose to go haywire, spiking and dropping all throughout the day no matter what you do. It can leave you feeling sluggish so that you’re more likely to reach for a sugary drink or snack when you otherwise wouldn’t.
On the flipside, with a healthy sleep habit, your body can regulate glucose a lot more easily. You are less likely to overeat, and your body can repair itself more quickly.
Sounds good, right? Yes.
Plus, sleep is so delicious, like the indulgent chocolate cake that your body craves at the end of the day. So why not give it what it wants? (Sleep, not chocolate cake)
#1 Exercise
Moderate exercise is basically the remedy to everything, including poor sleep. Moving your 
body around does more than just shed a few pounds. It helps regulate your circadian rhythm so that you can fall asleep more easily at night. Exercise also helps regulate your hormones, which tell your body when to sleep and when to be awake.
Not into exercise? Then just go for a walk around the neighborhood after dinner. The benefits are still major even with a 30-minute walk.
#2 Go Outside
The natural sunlight does wonders for your brain. By following the sunlight each day you are supporting your brain in a totally natural and healthy sleep pattern. Wake up with the sunrise and settle down with the sunset. Get some natural sunlight on your skin and take advantage of the darkness at night. By following the rhythm of nature, your natural rhythm will soon mimic it.
#3 Eat a Healthy Diet
Fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts can provide many benefits to your health. They protect your organs and help your body run more efficiently. This naturally leads to better sleep. More importantly, though, is that packaged and processed foods are typically loaded with chemicals that disrupt your natural rhythms. Many preservatives, for example, have neuroexcitatory effects, meaning that they cause your brain to send spastic signals. So if you’re looking for better sleep, cut out the foods that are keeping your brain busy throughout the night.
#4 Cut Electronics at Night
Electronics are life in the western world, but they are seriously putting a damper on things. The blue light that comes from electronics stimulates our brain in a similar way that natural light might. It tells our brains that we are still supposed to be awake, and so our brains respond accordingly. Try cutting out electronics for better sleep. Read a book before bed, instead.
#5 Get Stress Under Control
This is easier said than done but kicking stress to the curb is a powerful sleep aid. When we are stressed, our brains tend to ruminate about the things that stress us. If you can find a way to get that under control, then our brains will happily quiet down at night. Either lighten your load or find yourself a stress-relieving hobby to counter the stress. Your brain will thank you.
[expand title=”References“]
American Diabetes Association. URL Link. Retrieved June 16, 2017.
Dr. Axe. URL Link. Retrieved June 16, 2017.
