Thread: how's low carb impacted your energy levels?

Howdy, folks.

I got this email from a student doing some research and thought I would share his question with our members.

Hi there,
I am a student at the University of Canterbury doing an email research assignment on how low carbohydrate diets affect the need for sleep and energy levels.
I would like to know: Do people who go on low carbohydrate or reduced carbohydrate diets experience less need for sleep and also feel like their energy levels improve?
Your answer would be greatly appreciated.
Joel

Joel- Personally, I haven't noticed any changes in my sleep requirements, but I do find that I have much more energy when I'm eating low-carb. The more consistent I am in following a low-carb plan, the better my overall energy and the better I feel.

Anyone else have input?

Yes, for me, definitely. I noticed the need for less sleep about two weeks in. I used to sleep in on the weekends, till about 10 or so, which would be about 11 hours of sleep. Now I wake up about the same time I do for work each day, about 7, 8 if I'm lucky. Kind of makes me angry sometimes but I've been getting more housework done because I have that energy from the start!

I've been on Atkins since March 1st and recently, I have been having some bouts of insomnia. I just found that many people suffer the same while on low carb WOE and I can't contribute it to anything else and I've never had the problem before.

My two cents...

My energy is much improved, in that I have a pretty even amount of it throughout the day. Prior to changing my way of eating, I was on a roller coaster. It didn't change my sleeping habits that I could tell.

Energy levels are definately better, higher when I'm eating a proper lc diet.

I still need my sleep but I find I fall asleep much easier and faster than I used to.

I agree with everyone as far as the energy level, and because im burning so much more energy, i definetly fall asleep a lot faster and easier. the only problem i have is waking up in the middle of the night 2-3x to use the bathroom. The extra H2O really keeps me going and going and going.

My energy level has greatly improved.....but I do wake up in the morning between 4:30 and 5:30...cannot get back to sleep...so I just start my day!

I sleep like a baby! I sleep more sound, there is less "junk" in my system that my body is trying to get rid of or deal with. I need less sleep because I have more energy.

I have been on program for some 14 days today, (Induction) and I have to say that I do have weak moments without the energy that I crave however, those the times that too much time has lapsed between meals. ( a protein snack, nuts, cheese or seeds usually do the trick)

My energy goes through the roof with low carb. I do sleep a lot less as well. I use to sleep about 8 hour but now 5-6 works for me. I actually miss the sleep

Everytime I fall off low carb eating I find my energy levels fall dramatically - similarly, when I start up again - it takes about 3-4 days to start to notice the increase. Like Maggie (above), my energy levels while on low carb are much more even during the day (higher - and more even).

I've always been a good sleeper though and while on low carb I only ever have disturbed sleep when I have to urinate during the night (but I fall right back into sleep).

I'd love to see Joel's research project when he's finished.