Can't Sleep Without Carbs? – Try These Sleep Remedies by Dr. Berg

Find out why you can't sleep without carbs, and what to do about it.

Timestamps
0:09 Why can't I fall asleep without carbs?
1:32 What to do if you can't fall asleep without carbs

In this video, we're going to talk about what to do if you can't fall asleep without carbs.

Why can't I fall asleep without carbs?
It can take a long time to fix insulin resistance, even once you make the switch to a ketogenic diet. With insulin resistance, you have higher amounts of insulin. With keto, you consume lower amounts of carbohydrates. But, you're still going to have high insulin despite cutting out the carbs because of the resistance problem.

Higher amounts of insulin can push the blood sugars down too low in the middle of the night. With low blood sugars, you have counter hormones that keep your blood sugars from going down too low. The two main ones are cortisol and adrenaline. These two hormones are behind many sleeping problems.

What to do if you can't fall asleep without carbs:

1. Time (as you fix insulin resistance, this problem will get better)
2. Take electrolytes (potassium, magnesium, and calcium)
3. Take apple cider vinegar before bed
4. Adjust the amount of protein you consume as your last meal
5. Consume more vegetables
6. Take vitamin B1
7. Limit caffeine consumption
8. Take exogenous ketones before bed
9. Get more vitamin D by being in the sun or by taking vitamin D

Dr. Eric Berg DC Bio:
Dr. Berg, 56 years of age is a chiropractor who specializes in Healthy Ketosis & Intermittent Fasting. He is the author of The New Body Type Guide and other books published by KB Publishing. He has taught students nutrition as an adjunct professor at Howard University. He no longer practices, but focuses on health education through social media.

Disclaimer:
Dr. Eric Berg received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1988. His use of “doctor” or “Dr.” in relation to himself solely refers to that degree. Dr. Berg is a licensed chiropractor in Virginia, California, and Louisiana, but he no longer practices chiropractic in any state and does not see patients so he can focus on educating people as a full time activity, yet he maintains an active license. This video is for general informational purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, cure, treatment, diagnosis, and prescription or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Berg and you. You should not make any change in your health regimen or diet before first consulting a physician and obtaining a medical exam, diagnosis, and recommendation. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

[soulrobotics]

I was a monk for two years in my youth. During that period I had to adapt to live all three eights. Eight hours of work, eight of prayer and eight of rest ... following the cycle of sunlight. from that experience it remained that time and patience are required to achieve objectives. I think the secret of this healthy diet is to understand that the body is a slow system. With your advice and thanks to this waterfall of information (based on facts) that you give us, both time and effort are shortened. Thank you.

[orawlings]

Yes this is me. My adrenaline spikes huge when I cut carbs and sugar. I can’t sleep, I toss and turn and I have major jitters for first half of the day. I have that flight or fight feeling. It’s hard as I suffer from anxiety so this is very very hard for me. The energy I have is crazy. Normally I have a lot of energy but this is very hard to manage. It’s been over a week now and it’s not getting any better. I’ve lost 5 lbs which is great but I’m really struggling with the insomnia and jitters and fast heart rate. Gonna try the B1 to see if it helps. Thank you for all your information and hard work that you do it’s very much appreciated.

[SamehSabry]

That was me asking that question! Thanks a lot for reading and responding!

[jenlilyani]

Now I understand why I can't sleep. I will try the ACV before bed and I will try to consume more vegetable. I won't give up on the keto diet!

[connieeash]

Wow, this answered my lifelong issue of having to eat before bed. Even on keto, I save a serving of cheese or nuts for bedtime. I try to always do keto and IF, but fall for holiday meals, vacations, etc and go on and off. Probably have to stay on it for a year to get the insulin resistance down. Love your science based videos, but this one is the best!

[Hawaiian]

I started my KETO a little over 3-weeks ago, the sleep I've had the past week, must be the best I've had in over 20yrs....It works, I'm basically following the information on Doc Bergs post, the energy I'm feeling, the rest I'm experiencing, and the inflammation that compromised my quality of life has reversed itself, not to mention seeing my 300lb body shrink....I told myself, I don't care how much weight I loose, I'll just have my two nutritional meals, intermittent fast and the weight will naturally shed Doc

[brittbritt]

Whole reason I couldn't ever sick to keto. Fall off and "need" carbs never understanding why I had insomnia. Thank you so much. Miracle worker. 💟

[optimizewithscience]

I personally sleep best when eating healthy low-carb. I suscept it has something to do with inflammation because I sleep better when eating fatty fish, meats or eggs and sometimes don't fall asleep easy when I eat crap foods...

[martylwylie]

I'm done with keto no sleep have tried everything with no luck.. Sleeping one to two hours a night exhausted but can't sleep.. frustrated!

[DarkMoonDroid]

I'm trying this tonight!! My Uncle and I both have trouble with this. We've both noticed that we're having vision problems along with it. I found out last year that there is a connection between low glucose and vision trouble, so if this will fix all that - you are a Savior!!!

[BlueVelvetBear]

Thanks Dr Berg. I have never had that with Keto because of taking all those supplements and all my veggies... but did carnivore for 3 weeks as an elimination diet and week 3 I couldn't sleep more than 3hrs at a time and woke up feeling the cortisol surging through me! It was a tormenting experience and continued 5 nights in a row. It was the reason I reintroduced veggies a week sooner than planned!
I felt like my body wanted me up hunting in the middle of the night! I'd be wide awake but getting more and more sleep deprived.
It was torture.
I would say the carnivore community really need to warn and educate of that and it's another point towards Keto being healthier for us.

[tmcche]

I wake up too early. Then end up watching YouTube videos.

[godfather]

every vid i click on of yours, i put a like strait away, Couse from my own research and looking into people that i watch and not just taking them at face value, i no you really care, so thank you doc, and god bless you and your family

[amansaad]

I took half table spoon of peanutbutter (JIF) if I cant go to sleep when I was in this situation. It will be 43kcal. It is quick to digest and I can resume to sleep back fast.

[dyahviona]

I think you once said do not take acv before bed as it raised your heart rate and prevented you for sleep

[Karen-dgmm]

You are so right Dr Berg, I had same problem for the first two months I strated IF and KETO. After that I don't have that problem any more. Thank you so much.

[Cactinaes]

I’ve had nightmares ever since I was a child but I enjoy having them now. I have had the same one since age 6 but now I try to understand it and each time I get closer to it. It’s been a few years since I had the nightmare but I look forward to it again.

[blackwater]

Can you do something about how stress affects cravings? I find that when my stress levels go through the roof my stomach literally burns and I just eat compulsively. It's very hard to fast or even not overeat in this state.

[cathy]

B1 gives me a noticeable energy boost so I take it early afternoon with my first meal.

[anthonyvillafane]

This is such a great help. When I started the keto diet I felt great but than 4 weeks in, one night I just couldnt sleep.