Fasting and insomnia

#1

My sleep has been terrible for years. But it’s been gradually improving over the last few months.
I can IF alright but as soon as I try an extended fast by about the 3rd evening my sleep is bad. Even day 2 it’s not too good. That makes it sooo hard to fast. I end up giving in because I feel rotten by day 3 and beyond. Also I convince myself there’s no point in continuing as I won’t loose the weight I would like to due to lack of sleep.
What’s up with that?

#2

I’m on the morning of my third day of an EF and I could have written this post! This is my 4th or 5th fast and I think my sleep has gradually improved (maybe? a tiny bit??) but it’s definitely frustrating. I have a feeling that fasting euphoria is just on the other side of this issue. Overall I feel good while fasting, and if I were sleeping well I think I would feel AMAZING.

Following! I’m hoping some folks have suggestions.

(Barbara) #3

Day 3 and 4 of fasting… Wow !!
While this question has more to do with your actual fast than sleeping… ( I take one Advil PM) this puts me out for at least 8 hours… probably not the best putting more chemicals in the body…:open_mouth:. I could not sleep being hungry…
Can I ask a question about your fasting ?is this just a water, coffee fast ?
I can hardly make it one full 24 hour period…
Does it get easier after day 2?.

#4

@Herewego I think it generally keeps getting easier (for me, except for the sleeping issues, it’s been great!).
I was doing 40 hr and then 3-5 day water fasts last spring, then stopped for almost a year (the fasts were fine but my eating afterwards was kind of chaotic). I restarted the longer fasts this summer but wanted to make it really easy on myself so have been supplementing with fat here and there (BPC in the mornings, a spoonful of coconut butter occasionally). That won’t get me the full benefits of a water fast, but right now I’m just interested in establishing a sustainable habit.
Are you fat adapted?

(Barbara) #5

Yes I am fat adapted… do you have bone broth at all ?

#6

I did early on but don’t anymore. I think it’s a great way to go but I’m primarily interested in autophagy so am aiming for water fasting (eventually) and I’ve chosen to supplement with fat rather than broth just because I figure that the protein in broth probably inhibits autophagy a bit more than fat does. But if broth is working for you, go for it! It’s so good for us and can be a great tool to get used to fasting.

(Barbara) #7

Thank you I may consider coconut oil as my supplement… instead of bone broth…
Keto on …:no_mouth:

#8

Yes this is water fasting it is GRADUALLY getting easier. Initially I could hardly go until lunch! Lol
And now that I think about it I think my sleep got a little messed up when I first started IF. Not sure but i believe so.
Is this normal and would u think it should get better as I continue to fast?
I guess I’m listening to my body (the boss). If I slept poorly but felt great I would continue on but the duo is so difficult. That would be so cool if someday soon I would break through and be able to go longer.

#9

Generally people find that fasting gets easier over time but I haven’t heard much specifically about sleeping issues improving (or not). I’m hoping that someone pops on to give us their experience or advice!
You’re staying on top of electrolytes? That’s usually the first thing to check for any fasting challenges.
Right now I’m going to keep going because even with the lack of sleep I feel good and I’m hoping to see improvement (in sleep) over time.

#10

If you feel good that’s good!