I am starting a long term fast today.
Everytime I fast, even starting day 1, I get really bad insomnia. Like, I don’t fall asleep until 430 and wake up at 730. It drives me crazy and makes going to bed anxiety inducing.
Is there anything I can take/do to help this? Do I need as much sleep when fasting even? Or is my body in that recovery and restoration mode all day, that it would be in while sleeping?
Does any one else experience this?
This is my biggest problem with trying a long term fast. I kinda feel like, especially as an older woman, that sleep is as important to my health as is weight mgmt and digestive health. I’ve tried otc sleep aids and they haven’t helped. I just stick to rolling 24s or 36s. I can’t give up my recuperative sleep.
I struggle with this a lot too but it has gotten better so here are my tips.
Save your magnesium until right before bed. The 500 mgs put me under. Drink some electrolytes before bed as well, helps to stay asleep.
I think good sleep hygiene is especially important. Start winding down 30min to an hour before bed. Avoid caffeine like the plague after 2pm. Get some sun in the morning and don’t exercise too late.
You can also try sleeping techniques used by the US military, designed to help you fall asleep in combat zones. It’s basically a great way to relax your body. Use google to find it.
I also found warm water or sleepy time tea to somewhat help as well.
Lastly, don’t obsess over holding yourself to a certain sleep schedule if you don’t have to. In other words, if you feel sleepy during the day, go take a nap. Some research shows that humans benefit from biphasic sleep (sleeping twice a day).
The more fasts you do, the quicker you’re able to sleep.
I’ve been doing it so long there’s zero difference between when im eating and when im not, I go to bed at 11 and wake up at 7. I have noticed needing less sleep however, which is a benefit.
Melatonin will help, as will not sitting in bed worrying about not being able to sleep. Get up and do something.