- Peripheral Neuropathy: Prolonged diabetes may lead to peripheral neuropathy, causing symptoms such as itching and numbness in the extremities, resulting in insomnia.
- Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction: Long-term high blood sugar can cause dysfunction in the autonomic nervous system, leading to sleep disturbances, including difficulty falling asleep and waking up in the middle of the night. Sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea, which has a high incidence in diabetic patients (23%), can also negatively impact sleep quality.