I started IF 4 days ago, and almost immediately I noticed that my sleep is different. Before, I would sleep 8-10 hours and wake up still not feeling completely rested. Now, I sleep for a maximum of 7 hours and CANNOT sleep anymore. I’m really happy with this schedule, but will it last?
When I searched the sub about this, most posts were about negative effects like insomnia. I was surprised that IF does not always better one’s sleep quality. What kind of sleeping pattern do you guys have, and is it permanent?
I find that when I’m doing IF and eating less carbs and sugar, I just dont get tired as easily. I can sleep 12 hours a day when I eat a lot of sugar and carbs, and when eating IF and low carb, my sleep is consistently 7 to 9.
I feel a LOT of energy while fasting. But also, im female, and I notice that my cycle has a big impact on how tired I feel while fasting! Some parts of my cycle I feel SO energized, and some parts of my cycle I feel like a zombie.
I think it’s permanent. I now sleep for 6 hours everyday. But I do have like an episode or two of insomnia once every few months.
But I’ve always been a light sleeper. Usually do 8 hours a day (before IF).
I’m still struggling with my no-pattern sleep and I’m waking in the middle of the night for no apparent reason. The sleep quality is much better though. My sleep is deeper and I wake up more rested. I’m even counting on more improvement.
Absolutely. I suffer from GERD and it’s been tremendous. I basically got rid of my symptoms 90% by not eating at night or in the morning. Also helps me with planning my meals so I’m more aware of the choices I make and that makes a big difference too
A reduction in carbs and more specifically sugars closer to bed time will greatly improve sleep in general, given that insulin levels are lower and melatonin doesnt produce naturally as well when insulin levels are higher.
Lower insulin at bed time = better natural melatonin production, which could be the reason behind the better quality of sleep you’re experiencing.
I always slept 7 hours before I started fasting and that didnt change for me specifically though. The quality got better, and even more so when I started working our regularly too. Getting sunlight in the eyes early helps set your circadian cycles too which could also improve sleep quality.