Can diabetes cause nightly depression?

People with diabetes may be at a higher risk of developing depression. Low blood sugar levels can cause insomnia, leading to what some people refer to as nightly depression.

Diabetes can also cause frequent trips to the bathroom during the night, which can disrupt your sleep and cause fatigue and tiredness. Many people with diabetes experience sleep problems, including insomnia.

Poor sleep quality may lead to frustration and nightly depression over time.

While nightly depression is not an actual type of depression, some people use the term to describe depressive symptoms that occur more often at night.

Can diabetes cause nightly depression?

No research suggests a direct link between diabetes and nightly depression. However, if you have diabetes, particularly type 1 diabetes, you might have a higher risk of developing mental health conditions, including depression. You may also experience sleep disorders, such as insomnia.

Lack of sleep can cause fatigue, making it difficult to cope with daily activities. Over time, this may lead to anxiety and depression, including nightly depression.

Depression can worsen the symptoms of diabetes. Sometimes, the symptoms may prevent you from managing your blood sugar levels as you usually do or reduce your motivation to do physical exercise or other daily activities.

If you are finding it difficult to cope with diabetes, you have trouble sleeping at night, or you have any signs of depression, then consider speaking with a doctor. They can help you with your symptoms and recommend steps to help you manage your health conditions.

What are the symptoms of depression?

People with diabetes are about 2-3 times more likely to develop depression than people without diabetes. The severity of depression can vary from mild to severe, and you may experience symptoms such as:

• feeling of sadness or emptiness
• feeling alone or isolated
• losing interest in your hobbies
• sleeping too much
• insomnia
• difficulties concentrating or making decisions
• fatigue and tiredness

If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, consider speaking with a doctor. They can work with you to develop a treatment plan.

Treatment options for depression

There are several treatment options that a healthcare professional may recommend for depression. These may include talk therapy and taking antidepressant medications.

Talk therapy

Talk therapies can help identify and challenge unusual thought patterns. They can also teach you about relaxation techniques and methods to manage anxiety and stress.

Examples of talk therapy include:

• cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• counseling
• psychodynamic therapy
• behavioral therapy

Medication options for depression

Medications for depression can help improve your symptoms by changing certain chemicals in your brain, how they are released, and how they interact with your body. These may include:

• serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI), such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor)
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), such as citalopram (Celexa), paroxetine (Paxil), and escitalopram (Lexapro)
• tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants, such as amoxapine (Asendin) and amitriptyline (Elavil)
• atypical antidepressants, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin)
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as selegiline (Emsam) and phenelzine (Nardil)

Doctors can recommend the best treatment plan for you based on the severity of your symptoms and your health conditions.

If you need help covering the cost of medications, the free Optum Perks Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Follow the links on drug names for savings on that medication, or search for a specific drug here.

What lifestyle measures can help with nightly depression?

If you have nightly depression, several lifestyle measures may help you improve your condition. These can include:

• avoiding drinking beverages containing caffeine for at least 8 hours before going to sleep
• keeping your bedroom dark, quiet, cozy, and cool to promote rest and good sleep quality
• keeping electronic devices out of your bedroom, including TVs, laptops, or smartphones
• exercising regularly during the day but not right before going to bed
• practicing meditation and mindful activities to relax before sleeping
• having a bedtime routine, trying to wake up and go to bed at the same time every day
• going to bed and sleeping only when you feel tired

It may also be helpful to avoid the following:

• drinking alcoholic beverages before going to sleep
• having large meals before sleeping
• having afternoon naps
• smoking

When should you speak with a doctor?

Managing diabetes can be tiring and challenging. If you are concerned about your mental health or have been experiencing any symptoms of depression, it can be helpful to speak with a healthcare professional. They can put together a treatment plan to help you manage your symptoms.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

• Call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 24 hours a day at 988.
• Text “HOME” to the Crisis Textline at 741741.
• Not in the U.S.? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
• Call 911 or your local emergency number if you feel it’s an emergency.

While you wait for help to arrive, stay with someone and remove any weapons or substances that can cause harm. You are not alone.

Summary

No research suggests a direct link between diabetes and nightly depression. However, if you have diabetes, you have a higher risk of developing depression.

You may also experience sleep disorders, such as insomnia.

If you find that depression symptoms are affecting your daily activities, consider speaking with a healthcare professional. They can work with you to develop a suitable treatment plan that may include talk therapies, antidepressant medications, and lifestyle measures.

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.