Having Trouble Sleeping On the Raw Diet

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Permalink Reply by Bananna on February 13, 2009 at 1:41am

I am by far an expert...but I think exercise has helped me sleep...how are you doing for that?

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Permalink Reply by Adam on February 13, 2009 at 2:40am

Hey Triraw,

I would like to know what specifically you are eating in a day (ie. what foods and how much exactly of them). The reason I ask this, is that sleep problems are very common when people begin eating raw. People think they are eating enough calories/nutrients for their needs, when in fact they are not. This is usually easily correctable, and symptoms can be relieved overnight.

Take care

Adam x

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Permalink Reply by Sabrina on August 17, 2009 at 4:31am

How does not eating enough cause sleeping problems? If anything I would think it would mean you would sleep more if you didnt get enough calories. Please explain :D thanks!

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Permalink Reply by rebeccaj on August 17, 2009 at 4:37am

low blood sugar is a major factor in insomnia. the body won't let you sleep because it's HUNGRY! it needs nutrients to do its nightly repairs, and adequate blood sugar to keep you functioning for the long 8-hour haul without food. this is why people get up and prowl the kitchen for a midnight snack, or why they think a glass of warm milk helps them sleep. it's not the magic of any certain food, it's having blood sugar levels that will sustain you.

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Permalink Reply by Sabrina on August 17, 2009 at 4:44am

Ahhh, I see :) I just needed a reason WHY so I could believe it! I'm gonna eat so many bananas today, you dont even know!

Thanks rebecca, I really depend on your help at this point!

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Permalink Reply by TriRaw on February 13, 2009 at 2:50am

Thanks for the replies.

As far as exercising goes I am a triathlete so I usually exercise everyday. However now that I read what Adam said I've realized that when I have felt better I began exercising more, but not necessarily increasing my calories enough. I felt my worse yesterday after I had my hardest workout. Usually I feel great after workouts. Looking at my meals I usually eat about 10 bananas then 4 to 6 pears, oranges, or peaches. Followed up by another 4 to 6 of those fruits. Then my dinner smoothie or salad. I think that works out to be average around 2000 calories, which is ok if I am not doing anything. But definitely not when I am training. I may have added an extra 5 bananas yesterday but I don't think that that is even enough.

I didn't realize a lack of calories would have such a negative impact on my sleep.

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Permalink Reply by Adam on February 13, 2009 at 4:00am

Hey Triraw

I figured. Sounds like youre not eating enough greens either. Doesnt sound like youre eeven getting 2000 calories even. Either way, 2000calories will never be enough for a triathlete, even on a resting day. If youre a triathlete looking for success on a low fat raw vegan diet, you absolutely must make sure you get enough nutrients or you will start to fall apart. If you need any help working things out, give me a shout. A triathlete will burn more calories than most people even at rest, so you will always likely need around 3000 calories minimum imo.

If you dont eat enough, your body will run on stress hormones and you wont be able to sleep. This will also impair your recovery doubly. Firstly, for the excess stress hormone levels, and secondly for the consequent lack of sleep...sleep is essential for recovery.

Take care

Adam x

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Permalink Reply by TriRaw on February 13, 2009 at 4:59am

Thanks adam,

I really appreciate the help. I had an idea I was under eating but not by that much. Everything you said makes perfect sense. I can now use sleep as another warning sign that I need to eat some DAMN calories!

I will eat at least 3,000 calories today without exercise to try and catch up. I will give an update as to my progress soon!

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Permalink Reply by Adam on February 13, 2009 at 5:07am

Hey Triraw

Its also important to make sure you get enough protein and individual aminoacids as a triathlete. Most training doesnt require an increase in protein grams per kg but endurance athletes need at least a 1g protein per kg bodyweight increase. This is easily achievable without loads of nuts and supplements, but does require a little initial awareness, which is why I suggest the use of nutritiondata.com or cronometer temporarily. Make sure you get enough methionine. We dont need alot, but make sure to get a minimum of 10mg/kg body weight...this should be sufficient.

Take care

Adam x

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Permalink Reply by Sabrina on August 17, 2009 at 4:35am

oh, lol, I see! Nevermind :P

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Permalink Reply by Andrew on February 13, 2009 at 3:27am

I can't sleep unless I've hit my calorie goals for the day. Exercising helps me sleep deeper.

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Permalink Reply by TriRaw on February 13, 2009 at 5:53am

Yea I hear you with the streetlights. I grew up by the farms where there were no such lights. Its weird now that I am raw how much I have started to miss that area.

Actually falling asleep hasn't been the problem but waking up after only four hours of sleep at like 2 am with no idea how to proceed. But I am sure the lights don't help on this end either. There are some blinds available that shut out almost all light, maybe we should try those.

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