A question came up about sleep and lower carb.
I received a few answers so I decided to put the question out on twitter.
For all the #LowCarb peeps out there, when you first started low carb, did your sleep improve, no change or worsen? The further you went did your sleep change any further?
Here are some of the answers I received
Much improved unless fat consumption is too low.
Initially I was sleeping less, awake for longer periods. Then when I moved to a more carnivorish diet my sleep improved dramatically. But I notice that the key is to go to sleep when tired, or try not to stay up a little longer. If I do that, the rest of the night is shot.
I don't remember because it was over 8 years ago but it is awesome now!
Total hours
. For ~8mo, felt & functioned GREAT on fewer hrs but it flattened me @ 8mo in & got dicey for a while (have bp1, several IP w/ sleep stuff). I’ve had chronic sleep issues whole life. Mostly resolved now using
RightSleep for past year, still keto 6yr in
I have a small, but noticeable, issue with falling asleep due to having more energy.
Worsen - so now I eat all my carbs last meal - <50 =better sleep.
Deeper sleep
with magnesium glycinate
So here are a few sleep hacks to try whether you are on the #IMWChallenge or not.
General
- Get morning sun to start circadian rhythms correctly
- Keep same awake and nightime sleep routines and schedule
- No exercise at night so not to activate brain, SNS.
- Avoid toxins Like alcohol, MSG, Aspartame, Caffeine
- Wear Blue blocker glasses at night before you go to sleep. Lighter eyes may need this more
- Keep room dark, perhaps use a sleep mask
- Turn off EMFs, wifi, electronics at night
- Eat main meal for lunch, not dinner to improve circadian clock
For all the challengees, please reply back either in the comments section or via Spruce app how your first week has gone.
Also don’t forget there may be a prize for those who showed the most participation.
I feel I’m having a sounder sleep. Not much moving around. Also feeling more refreshed in the morning. But also I’ve been at this ( low carb diet) for a couple months now.