Stress bad dreams and carbs

(Rachel) #1

What came first the stress or the carbs and is the consequence bad dreams?
I noticed a pattern of once a week adding a day of increased carbs into my otherwise keto way of eating. This week was particularly stressful and went 3 days off keto and ended up with 3 nights bad dreams and daily headaches. Mind you it was pms and more than usual stress that induced my increasing carbs. Has anyone else experienced this?

(G. Andrew Duthie) #2

Haven’t noticed any correlation between carb consumption and bad dreams.

I do find, however, that indulging in carbs can result in leg cramps at night, which certainly contributes to poor sleep.

Stress is a tough one, since it can definitely make it harder to resist carb cravings, as can lack of sleep.

If I had to recommend which to work in first, it would be making sure to get enough sleep.

(Rachel) #3

I was reading somewhere that increasing carbs causes increase in insulin that in effect lowers blood sugar which might cause bad dreams.
At this moment I have no appetite, have a headache, am afraid to sleep. I think a fast might be healing.

(Rachel) #4

@devhammer
Thank you so much for your reply.
Makes sense that lack of sleep also drives carb desire. Add to that it’s compounded by stress. Which is harder to handle without solid sleep. double whammy.
Good advice, I agree. Get sleep on track first.
When I realize why I make the choices I do it makes it easier to make a change.
I really need to stick to keto WOE and stop putting my body thorough this unhealthy pattern.

#5

I recently added a tincture of Ashwaganda daily. It is an herbal adaptogen that I have found very helpful with managing stress related symptoms. It seems to have a mechanism that manages stress/energy in a way that I am even and energetic during the day but also gaining more restful sleep at night. It might be worth an internet search for you.

(KB Keto) #6

I had a dream the other night that someone enticed me to eat candy - ya know those twizzlers with the filling inside - yea those. It was horrible!

(Rachel) #7

Finally slept through the night!
Magnesium is a wonderful supplement.
I remembered to take one before bed.
Slept a solid eight hours and headache is gone.
:grin:

(Sheri Knauer) #8

Glad you got some relief. Perhaps its the type of carbs you were using to increase your carbs on that particular day? If you dont already, you may find some useful info on this website (she also has a keto podcast) https://www.healthfulpursuit.com

(Rachel) #9

Thank you so much @Sheri_Knauer
I found the link very insightful.
:blush:

(Sheri Knauer) #10

You’re welcome. I like her podcast. She really hits on a lot of aspects of keto and health in general.