Why do I have bad dreams since beginning a low carb diet?
This may be caused by the effects of toxins and chemicals stored in fat cells as they are released. As fat is broken down and used for fuel, toxins are carried to the liver and eventually excreted. This is why drinking water is important- to help flush out these substances. In people who have no or limited dream recall as they begin to remember dreams the initial dreams are often unpleasant. This usually lasts for a short time only. It is a more normal state to have dream recall. Most individuals actually find their sleep patterns improve since the blood sugar is more stable when controlling carbs. The usual experience is to fall asleep faster, awake less often during the night and wake up more refreshed. Some people even find that they need lees sleep than before. A small protein snack an hour or so before sleep can also help keep the blood sugar more even during the night improving sleep. Keep in mind that sleep disturbances are a sign of sleep apnea, a serious complication of obesit
