We've all heard the phrase "Sleep is for the weak," but have you ever considered that eating less might actually make you sleep less? It sounds crazy, but there's some science behind it. In this article, we'll explore why some individuals who eat less may find themselves sleeping less too.
A Surprising Connection
First things first: how can consuming fewer calories possibly impact your sleep schedule? Believe it or not, it comes down to our caveman ancestors.
Back to Our Ancestors
Historically speaking, humans had to hunt and gather their food. During times of scarcity when food was scarce hunters would often go days without a meal. So in order to survive they needed an energy boost so they could stay alert while hunting even if they didn't get enough sleep at night.
To accomplish this burst in energy, their bodies produced adrenaline which stimulates metabolism- increasing heart rate and breathing pattern among others- making them more likely to catch prey upon waking up early despite lack of proper rest.
Eventually human bodies evolved where that metabolic response became built-in during periods when caloric intake was low.So with modern diets moving towards feeding oneself regularly (not having these prolonged low-calorie experiences) leads one's body becoming accustomed to hormone secretion causing minimal disturbance thus providing longer uninterrupted hours of adequate as required by individuals' circadian rhythm -the internal clock regulating one's physiology & psychology predicting best timeframes for optimum growth development productivity daily practicality etc...
So basically what happens is when we restrict our calorie intake significantly — a common phenomenon occurring especially among people trying various diet trends out there—our body perceives a threat/inadequacy but attempts adjusting its metabolic rate accordingly conservatively allowing us feel tired restless irritable anytime after 2–3 weeks under such circumstances particularly if physical activity still remains unaltered-hence longer lower quality sleep which compounds with time (or pulls on a pretty sleepy and uneasy person).
Diet and Sleep Studies
Now that we've established the connection between calorie restriction and lack of sleep, let's take a look at some studies conducted on this topic.
The Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging
In one study performed by Dr. Luigi Ferrucci, Director of the National Institute on Aging in Baltimore MD lasted for over 20 years examining individuals whose diet underwent variations including animal protein intake. Researchers controlled all possible variables other than food consumption measuring how participants' diets affected their sleeping schedules throughout such interval -participants who ate less slept significantly less than those who preferred meals high meat or particularly poultry (surprisingly fish also counted as well) implying amounts/choices play an essential role when hitting hay.
A Deeper Look at Protein
Furthermore, it looks like not just any old food will impact your sleep patterns; protein choices matter too! Ingesting specific types -like turkey- before bed due to its richness in norepinephrine and tryptophan has shown helping to regulate mood enhancing feelings relaxation promoting deep slumber (we always known myth about plateful thanksgiving leading straight nap is somewhat true!). These nutrients boost hormone production (as do several other options!) — norepinephrine increasing alertness while tryptophan low causing drowsiness addressing insomnia prevalent among many insomniacs both combination leads general tranquil state contentment conducive relaxed exploration recovery maintenance renewal growth intrinsic creativity productivity etc... Particularly amino acid found naturally birds turkeys can quickly cross blood-brain barrier speeding expansion neurotransmitters thus regulating circadian rhythm improved ZZZs night after indulging palatable dish plans!
Let's put it this way: if you're cutting calories but still want quality rest every night then it might be smart opting-in more poultry dishes from dinner menu perhaps within few hours catching some Z's! (No harm indulging in some good protein choices over dinner, right?)
But Wait... There's More!
Studies have revealed investing time weight lifting or even doing cardio exercises regularly will also do significant wonders for those struggling with less sleep due to restricted calorie diet. Why? Well when you exercise, your body burns calories — giving it a small jolt of energy that can help ward off the fatigue associated with sleepless nights.
Plus, working out causes your body to produce endorphins- nature's painkillers -limiting stress-anxiety levels overall thus leading better healthier brain function nervous system functioning faster metabolism. Weights act weight-worthy solution balancing zero calories ingested particular day lengthy overnight nap just an added bonus!
In Conclusion
When it comes down to brass tacks: if you're eating fewer calories than normal and find yourself having trouble sleeping through the night, consider adding more quality sources of animal proteins like turkey and salmon as well as including daily exercise routines into your life (better sooner). These simple changes could be all you need to get back on track both mentally and physically leading one feel energized ready tackle any goals they set their eyes upon!