Lack Of Protein Can Affect Your Sleep: Surprising Connection Revealed

Did you know that your protein intake could be playing a significant role in your sleep quality? It might seem surprising, but there's a fascinating connection between what you eat and how well you rest at night. Understanding this relationship can help you make better dietary choices that promote healthier sleep patterns. 

Protein, a crucial macronutrient, is well-known for its many functions in the body, such as building and repairing tissues, producing enzymes and hormones, and maintaining muscle mass. However, its influence on your sleep cycles might not be as widely recognized.

"Sleep disturbances or struggles with sleep can affect the body's rebuilding processes," Chahat Vasudev of Gytree explains. "Whether it's your stress levels or the levels of hunger, poor sleep can impact all of it." 

"And a body which is undernourished and specifically in protein registered more restlessness and episodes of frequent waking up at night." 

Here are some key points on how protein intake and sleep are connected: 

Amino Acids and Neurotransmitters: Proteins are made up of amino acids, which are vital for producing neurotransmitters in the brain. Certain neurotransmitters, like serotonin and tryptophan, play a direct role in regulating sleep.

Satiety and Sleep Quality: Protein-rich foods help you feel fuller for longer periods, which can prevent late-night cravings that disrupt your sleep.

Balanced Blood Sugar Levels: Protein helps stabilize blood sugar levels, preventing fluctuations that can interfere with your ability to stay asleep through the night.

By incorporating an adequate amount of protein into your diet, you can support your body's ability to maintain a healthy sleep cycle, ensuring you wake up refreshed and ready to take on the day. "Fulfilling your protein needs not only works as a sleep-inducing agent but also takes care of other hormonal aspects that are affecting because of poor sleep," she adds.

Almost 60% of working women in India quit the workforce due to health-related issues and this includes sleep. Organisations around the world are thinking about sleep programs to improve their employee wellbeing and ensure they are energised. 

Some more details on neurotransmitters.

Protein consumption can influence sleep quality through its impact on the production of neurotransmitters that regulate sleep. Amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, are essential for the synthesis of these neurotransmitters. For instance, tryptophan is an amino acid found in protein-rich foods that is a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and sleep.

Serotonin is further converted into melatonin, a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. Adequate protein intake ensures that the body has enough tryptophan to produce sufficient serotonin and melatonin, thereby promoting better sleep quality. This biochemical pathway highlights the direct link between protein consumption and the regulation of sleep patterns.

Protein can help stabilize blood sugar levels. Fluctuations in blood sugar can lead to night time awakenings and poor sleep quality. Consuming a balanced amount of protein, especially in the evening, can help maintain steady blood sugar levels, reducing the likelihood of sleep disturbances.