Night Lows and Sleep Signs

Your body can send signs of a low while you sleep. Nightmares, restless sleep and sweating at night can all be signs of a low.

Sleep can muffle these signs, so you may not remember them in the morning. Sleep is like a closed door. The signs are still there, just quieter. A bed partner or housemate may notice what you cannot feel.

Some signs show up after you wake. A headache, feeling tired or feeling poorly rested may point to a night low. Brain fog, which feels like slow or cloudy thinking, can be a clue too. A racing heart on waking is another sign to notice.

Morning signs are like footprints in fresh snow. The walk is over, but the prints still show it happened.

If you notice these signs, check your blood sugar. Treat it the way your plan says. Ask your care team what that plan is for a night low.

If someone cannot wake or swallow safely, put nothing in their mouth. Give glucagon, a medicine that raises blood sugar fast, and call 911.

Key takeaways

• Nightmares, restless sleep and sweating at night can be signs of a low.
• A headache, tiredness or brain fog on waking may point to one too.
• A partner or housemate may notice signs you cannot feel.

Try it

Tomorrow morning, think about how you feel on waking, including any headache, tiredness or foggy thinking.