Night Sweats and Headaches: Possible Hypoglycemia?
Night Sweats and Headaches: Possible Hypoglycemia?
June 6, 2008
LifeScript
Hypoglycemia, or extremely low blood glucose, is one of the primary dangers facing diabetics. The risks posed by hypoglycemia may be especially worrisome if the condition occurs during sleep, when the diabetic patient is incapable of monitoring and immediately responding to a significant drop in blood glucose levels. This is why it's important not only to take steps to prevent nighttime hypoglycemia, but understand and recognize symptoms and warning signs of the condition. One of the earliest indicators that a diabetic may be experiencing hypoglycemia in sleep is chronic night sweats, as well as waking up with painful headaches. For those whose night sweats and morning headaches do not self-resolve within a few days, it may be wise to try a quick test. Set your alarm for the middle of the night – say 2:00 a.m. for a person who's in bed by 11 p.m. Test your glucose levels and record the measurement, go back to sleep and test again immediately upon waking in the morning. If you begin to notice abnormal nighttime fluctuations during this exercise, it may be wise to consult your health care provider.
