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So, I rarely cheat with gluten but I have twice in the last several months... One of those times being yesterday when I had a baguette. I'm noticing that both times that I had gluten- I ended up with a terrible case of insomnia. Has anyone else ever had that? Any science to this? It's 6am where I am right now and I've been up since 3:-( I don't think I'll be cheating this way again!! Thanks in advance paleo universe:-)

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What time of the day did you eat it? – Chris Nov 7 2010 at 15:57
Have absolutely experienced this. – Patrik Nov 7 2010 at 16:09
Ate it around 3pm... Went to bed at 1am, woke up at 3am... Fell back asleep at 8 for 2 hours. Worst night ever. – Naphtali Nov 8 2010 at 2:32

9 Answers

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Yes. I'm a diagnosed celiac and this is one of my symptoms. I'm also usually VERY ANGRY about being insomniac. There's a mood swing component for me too. Brain fog, sometimes a fever and if there was enough gluten, gut pain and D. :P

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It's 12-10-2012 and I'm asking the same question - are the two related? I haven't had a full night's sleep in over two weeks. I thought it was initiated from a bout with a stomach virus coupled with a case of the flu. Flu and virus are gone, but here I am. I have been up all night. The last couple of week's I have averaged about 3 to 4 hours of sleep per day. I usually average around nine to twelve hours over a 24 hr. period. I take maintenance meds. which add to the lenghty sleep time. 9 to 10 overnight, 2 to 3 during the afternoon. However, since I have developed a "sensitivity" to glutin and wheat, my world has changed immensely. Insomnia seems to be one of the new walk-ins in my life. From what I have read, Celiac can cause from Chronic Fatigue syndrome to insomnia. So, go figure. Internet Hornet @ 7:50am 12/10/12

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Yes absolutely - this happens to me as well. When I eat sugar and/or gluten I wake up at 3 am and is unable to go back to sleep at least for a few hours. I have tried it several times but each time I had both gluten and sugar during the day so I do not yet know which of them or both of them causes the insomnia.

Interesting hearing that other people experience same symptoms.

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I recently completed a 6-week gluten challenge (was supposed to be 3-6 months but I could not tolerate it) directed by my endocrinologist. I didn't like the idea, but I never expected how sick gluten could make me feel. The insomnia and night sweats were horrific. Everything went back to normal within a week or so of stopping the gluten.

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So, your endocrinologist recommended putting gluten back in your diet? For what purpose? – Maggie Nov 9 2010 at 17:24
I was diagnosed with Hashimotos thyroiditis and was concerned that gluten was the root cause. My endo wanted to test if I was gluten intolerant and after 6 weeks of eating gluten I had a positive celiac panel. My hope is to put the Hashimotos in remission and not develop any more autoimmune illnesses. – Gina Nov 10 2010 at 3:55
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If you're really expressing a gluten sensitivity, and you haven't had gluten in a while it is possible that your body is mounting a mild immune response to glycoprotiens and you're experiencing some mild discomfort which would disrupt your ability to fall asleep.

It's also possible that the entire episode could be psychosomatic and that you're keeping yourself up because you're anxious about your tasty cheat.

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I was actually more tired and slept more when I ate a lot of gluten. Small cheats now don't seem to effect me in any obvious way though. They don't seem to be enough to throw off my sleep, either more or less. I still sleep less now, even if I have a gluten cheat. I suspect that, at least in my case, the level of gluten damage is dose dependent.

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That's interesting and brings up an interesting point. I was actually 100% exhausted after my cheat- I just couldn't sleep. literally could not sleep, it was as if my "sleep button" stopped working... – Naphtali Nov 8 2010 at 16:11
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This happened to me this weekend. Was awake from 2:30 am to 6:00 am. No I don't know the science of it. And I hope I remember this next time I'm tempted.

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I had some cereal (Total) last night, got around 4 hours of sleep when I usually get 7-8 and now I feel like I have a slight hangover as well. Most likely an effect of the sugar/syrup in the flakes as well.

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Yes! I've had a similar experience. I usually wake up very hot too, like my metabolism is on overdrive.

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Same here! I am 100% gluten intolerant! I am weening myself off beer! – Aaron Curl Nov 7 2010 at 14:10
Ah, I've had the experience of waking up far too early feeling very hot (really irritating)... if it's a food intolerance thing I wonder what it is that I'm intolerant too. I assumed before that it might be from eating too much protein (thermogenic) too close to bed. – David Moss Nov 8 2010 at 8:16
This happens to me when I have gluten but it also happens if I consume alcohol or processed sugar. Needless to say, I have eliminated these from my diet. I would be interested to know what is happening physiologically. Any medical professionals out there with some insight? – Maggie Nov 8 2010 at 22:42

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