Sleep disturbances in IDDM patients with nocturnal hypoglycemia

Eight insulin-dependent diabetic patients were studied to evaluate sleep patterns during normoglycemia and spontaneous and insulin-induced hypoglycemia. Two channels of electroencephalogram (EEG), electromyogram and actooculogram were recorded. The signals were analyzed off-line, using a polygraphic sleep analysis system. The scoring was mainly based on the color density spectral array of the EEG. Blood glucose and growth hormone were measured serially. Asymptomatic, spontaneous nocturnal hypoglycemia occurred in 38% of the nights. Conventional sleep analysis showed a tendency toward prolongation of the two first rapid eye movement cycles on hypoglycemic nights, although it was insufficient to explain the activities seen during hypoglycemia. Blood glucose values below 2.0 mmol/l were observed in some of the patients accompanied by EEG changes with increased theta and delta activity.