RSS
Home
Insomnia and the ketogenic diet
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
Contrary to the uninformed who constantly try to categorize the Atkins diet as a high-protein diet, a true ketogenic diet is a high-fat, moderate-protein, and low-carb regimen that has many health benefits, such as improved blood lipid panels, normalization of insulin response, reduction of high blood pressure, and control of childhood epilepsy, just to name a few.
Anecdotal evidence also reports a reduction in skin, yeast, and bladder infections, clearer skin, easier dentist visits, better mood, fewer cravings for carbage, and more. But there does seem to be one drawback to ketosis, and no, it's not "kidneys exploding in a fountain of saturated fats," or dissolving bones. It seems to be a tendency toward insomnia.
One theory about ketosis-induced insomnia is that, as the body is burning fat for energy, the toxins in the fat cells are released to be metabolized by the liver. Another idea is that ketosis may biochemically interfere with the sleep cycle. Some people try to combat this by eating a small amount of carbohydrate, such as a quarter of a baked potato, or a half-teaspoon of sugar, before going to bed. The idea behind this is that a small amount of carb will lessen ketosis enough to allow for better sleep, but won't blow the whole dietary enchilada, so to speak. I don't advocate this practice for myself, as my insulin response would be enough to add a pound or two of water weight during the night. No thanks.
One thing that this insomniac is experimenting with is 5-HTP, a precursor to seratonin, a neurotransmitter that is involved in the sleep cycle. Last night was Experiment Day 1, and I slept, and slept well. I maintained my state of ketosis, and slept like a baby. A big baby, but a baby, nonetheless.
Any commentary concerning your experiences with ketosis and insomnia would be greatly appreciated.
For more info: See a treatise on 5-HTP from Vanderbilt University.
Related Articles:
Comments
