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What has IF done for your sleep?

Hi everyone! I am curious to hear how your sleep has or has not changed since implementing IF? I've been implementing IF into my life for the majority of about 3yrs, and I have little breaks here and there when I wish. My schedule is low carb and IF 20:4 /23:1 / OMAD (I just go on how I feel) 5 days a week. Free weekends. I've become pretty good at knowing when I need more, or less carbs and when I need to fast longer or shorter, it's very cool. Feels like a hack! Anyway, I digress. I've noticed over time, the amount of sleep I need to adequately function has significantly decreased. I was once a very, very textbook 7-8hours or I am fucked for the whole next day. The night before yesterday I couldn't sleep. I don't think at all IF related, I have some other stuff going on and a brain that likes to ruminate!!! Anyway I ended up getting to sleep sometime around 345am and up at 7, and I was perfectly fine for the whole next day. Energy levels as normal, not lethargic in the least. No foggy brain (I am a motion designer, which can be tedious and requires a lot of focus so I really notice a foggy head)... It just seemed, different. I wondered if it could be some kind of knock on from longer term IF, because now I think of it this has been a bit of a trend for a little while (requiring less sleep, not the insomnia part). So I had a look into it, and all the information out there seems very conflicting. So I am curious. How has your sleep changed, or not, since starting IF? Or since maintaining IF longer term? Cheers!

Answer

My circadian rhythm used to be really off and I had to take some melatonin before bed or I couldn’t fall asleep at a reasonable hour. After starting IF, it’s easier for me to fall asleep, I can wake up early easier, and I require less sleep for the same amount of daily activity.

Answer

I’m having LOTS of sleep issues. I used to be a great sleeper.. literally I’d close my eyes and fall asleep, friends used to tease me about it. Ever since I started IF (doing OMAD for the most part and 48h once weekly) and I am not getting enough sleep. I function normally, am not tired/sleepy and seem to have plenty of energy otherwise tho, just a bit concerned for the sleep “issues”. My one meal usually consists of Steak/Chicke/Fish, some greens salad, 3 egg whites and a protein shake.