The Fourth Macro Nutrient

I cannot accomplish anything if I am sleep deprived. I cannot fast, I cannot eat keto (my diet choice when not fasting) I cannot make good decisions about working out, eating, IF and ADF, or ironically, going to bed at a decent time. While carbs may be very nearly optional, we know that fat and protein are not. Neither is sleep. Right now I'm stuck in a sick loop where I can't seem to sleep enough, or I can't get to sleep, though I feel tired, so all I want to do is eat. So my body spends all its energy digesting, not repairing or leaving me energy to work out, heal, or use my brain to make good decisions about my health. Is this a big deal for everyone? More so for women? Tips and/or thoughts?

Answer

I work nights and average 4 hours sleep split between 2 naps. Where there’s a will, there IS a way. I find fasting actually boosts my energy so I naturally reduce my caffeine intake. I am on Day 3 and energy for days! I’m here for you!

Answer

Vigilance pays dividends. Cut caffeine. Cut exercise in the evening. Cut screen time in the evening. Wake up at the same time every day no matter how tired you are. Use light screens in the morning. Consider supplementing melatonin at night. Eventually your circadian rythm will reset and your sleep will return to normal. It took me months, but it does happen eventually. Probably depends on how messed up your sleep was to begin with. It’s also worth noting that some sleep problems are caused by disease (sleep apnea) and seeing your doctor to rule out anything medical would be step number one.