If blood sugar is consistently high in the morning, individuals should check their levels before bed and overnight. They should also review any habits that might contribute to this condition.

Here are seven habits that can lead to elevated morning blood sugar:

1. Late-night snacking

Snacking in the evening impacts more than just nighttime blood sugar. During sleep, digestion slows, and the effect of snacks on blood sugar can extend into the morning. This is especially true for starchy snacks. If hungry late in the evening, choose low-carb snacks rich in fat, protein, and fiber to minimize their effect on blood sugar levels overnight and the following morning.

2. Poor sleep

Quality sleep is crucial for blood sugar levels. Studies on individuals with diabetes show higher post-breakfast blood sugar if they experience insufficient sleep or go to bed after midnight. People who regularly go to bed after midnight or get inadequate sleep also show greater fluctuations in blood sugar, regardless of whether they have diabetes. Establishing healthy sleep habits with consistent sleep times can help manage morning blood sugar.

3. Chronic stress

Chronic stress elevates cortisol, the body's stress hormone. This hormone affects sugar metabolism, stimulating the liver to produce more glucose and reducing the cells' ability to use glucose. The result is elevated blood sugar, which over time contributes to insulin resistance.

4. Improper insulin use

Incorrect insulin type, timing, or insufficient basal insulin are common causes of high morning blood sugar. If your blood sugar is low overnight, the body compensates by producing more sugar. This results in high fasting blood sugar in the morning. This can also happen if too much basal insulin is administered. This phenomenon is known as the Somogyi effect, named after its discoverer, chemist Michael Somogyi.

5. Skipping dinner

Insufficient energy intake can lead to overnight hypoglycemia. The body then reacts by increasing fasting blood sugar in the morning due to the Somogyi effect.

6. Evening exercise

Another cause of the Somogyi effect is intense exercise in the late afternoon or evening. The effects of exercise can last for hours, leading to overnight hypoglycemia. The body's compensatory process can result in high morning blood sugar. Having a snack with exercise or shifting your workout to the morning can help manage blood sugar.

7. Alcohol consumption

Alcohol consumption, particularly without food, can cause blood sugar to drop several hours later. This can trigger the Somogyi effect, where the body compensates by releasing hormones to raise blood sugar overnight. Limit alcohol and always pair it with a carbohydrate-containing snack. Alcohol can impair senses, making it difficult for individuals to detect dangerously low blood sugar.

High blood sugar before bed can result from high-carb intake or poor insulin management. Overnight blood sugar spikes, even after normal levels, may relate to insulin dosage or timing. Patients should consult a doctor for appropriate advice.

Anh Ngoc (According to Verywell Health)