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lower carbs and insomnia???

kcmg0730
kcmg0730 Posts: 96
edited November 10 in Social Groups
I hope you're all feeling great!!

I love everything about what I'm eating and how I'm feeling EXCEPT that I have been suffering with terrible insomnia since I started cutting my carbs down. I go to bed at a normal time (10-ish), fall straight to sleep, but then I find I am waking up at 1am, WIDE awake, for a few hours everynight. If I do fall back to sleep, it's very light sleep and I find myself tossing and turning quite a lot, waking up every hour, etc.

It's driving me nuts! I do feel okay in the day, a little tired from not sleeping, but because my energy levels are up from eating this way, I'm not lethargic or sluggish. I just want to sleep like a normal person! :)

Anyone else experience this? Any suggestions?

Replies

  • dennydifferent
    dennydifferent Posts: 135 Member
    Yes, I had this for about a week, then I had vivid dreams (about carbs, usually), and now I sleep really well almost all the time. From what I've read this pattern is quite common.

    I don't know for sure, but I personally lump the insomnia in with "carb flu" or "carb withdrawal" symptoms. Coconut oil can cause it too I think.
  • kcmg0730
    kcmg0730 Posts: 96
    Argh...I thought the carb flu stage was OVER (I had a couple rough days last week). I'm not using coconut oil (it's VERY expensive for a tiny amount, so I'm sticking with good butter and olive oil for the moment. I'm not dreaming of carbs....just wide awake at weird times.

    Thanks...guess my body is still adjusting.
  • MikeFlyMike
    MikeFlyMike Posts: 639 Member
    coconut oil is expensive? $10 for a small tub at whole foods. That is cheaper than my butter and my olive oil.

    I found I sleep MORE solidly. wake up refreshed and happy.
    Usually wake up automatically without an alarm.
    I get to sleep easier.
    But I admit I am dreaming a lot more - and some of them are a bit weird.
    Maybe it is your body complaining about not having its sugar feeding and or mental stress? I hope this symptom subsides for you.
  • ganesha303
    ganesha303 Posts: 257 Member
    I have not had great sleep patterns lately. Same issue, fall right to sleep but wake up to early and cannot get restful sleep. I started taking "Formula 303" natural sleep aid at the suggestion of a wellness professional and I have slept much more soundly.
  • tabbychiro
    tabbychiro Posts: 223 Member
    I have similar sleep issues, go to bed around 10ish, wake up somewhere between 1-2am. But I'm usually able to fall back asleep. I've had this kind of sleep pattern even before paleo. I don't know if it's because I need to pee or if it's because that is when my blood sugar is lowest and that makes me wake up for some reason.
  • kcmg0730
    kcmg0730 Posts: 96
    coconut oil is expensive? $10 for a small tub at whole foods. That is cheaper than my butter and my olive oil.

    The coconut oil here in the UK (in my local market) was £6.99 (about $11) for 6 ounces...way too rich for my blood, and I can get three times the amount of olive oil for that much!

    I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who is experiencing this; it's frustrating mainly because I am so much more alert and energetic during the day, it would be great to have that AND sleep really well! Hopefully, it will pass.
  • heathernz
    heathernz Posts: 68 Member
    Hiya - I also had some sleep disruption in the first two or three weeks, but this did settle down.

    I found that a glass or red wine before bed is helpful now and then too :)

    I don't know how long you've been eating primal/paleo - but in my experience it is SOOO worth it. I changed my eating about two months ago, and after quickly losing the intital 'water weight', I am still losing around one pound every week - awesome!!!

    My biggest problem in that I am running out of clothes that fit - there is a shopping trip coming up this week :)
  • MikeFlyMike
    MikeFlyMike Posts: 639 Member
    wow, that is expensive. Odd the disparity. Well, eat more bacon ;) I just love saying that.
  • kcmg0730
    kcmg0730 Posts: 96
    wow, that is expensive. Odd the disparity. Well, eat more bacon ;) I just love saying that.

    That made me laugh...thank you (and I WILL eat more bacon!!) :)

    Olive oil is fine...it's what I'm used to, so I don't feel like I'm missing out too much!!

    Thank you, heathernz...I am relieved to hear that I'm not alone! I am starting week 3, and I am LOVING it...I honestly can't believe I didn't do it sooner. The sleep thing is the only side effect now, so I don't intend to give up...it's been so good!! I have to say, I am nervous about stepping on the scales next week (I only weigh in once a month)...it just doesn't feel like I'm cutting anything out...I keep thinking it can't possibly work!

    I 'll give the wine a try...I'll have some with my bacon! lol :D
  • alexaransome
    alexaransome Posts: 16 Member
    try myprotein.com/uk. Based in UK and they do coconut oil and almond butter cheaper than in the shops.

    I experienced the insomnia too - I find a sleep mask helps as I can't get my room completely dark... worth a try!
  • kcmg0730
    kcmg0730 Posts: 96
    try myprotein.com/uk. Based in UK and they do coconut oil and almond butter cheaper than in the shops.

    This is great, thank you...I will definitely check it out!

    Last night was a little better, so I'm hoping there is an end in sight!!
  • DiscoGirl999
    DiscoGirl999 Posts: 23
    I'm not using coconut oil (it's VERY expensive for a tiny amount, so I'm sticking with good butter and olive oil for the moment. I'm not dreaming of carbs....just wide awake at weird times.

    Also way cheaper in Asain food shops.
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