Insomnia
Sleep is a major problem for many people following a ketogenic diet, particularly when they first start. The ketogenic diet has the potential to cause short-term insomnia and sleep disruption. Many people notice sleeplessness or waking up in the middle of the night when they dramatically reduce their carbohydrate intake. Low serotonin and melatonin levels and more significant than usual energy levels are thought to be the causes of the keto diet’s insomnia.
Carbohydrates are often the body’s primary energy source because they provide a consistent supply of glucose and facilitate the admission of the amino acid L-tryptophan into the brain. L-tryptophan aids in synthesizing serotonin, a neurotransmitter recognized for relaxing the body and boosting good sleep. Melatonin, the hormone associated with sleep, is created from serotonin. The lack of dietary L-tryptophan in the ketogenic diet can result in low levels of serotonin and melatonin because it excludes many carbohydrates.
Meanwhile, many people following the keto diet for a long time assert that they have improved their sleep quality. According to research by the International League Against Epilepsy, while the ketogenic diet may shorten the amount of time spent sleeping overall, it can enhance sleep quality by promoting more rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.
