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Hi all, I just had a pretty interesting enlightenment/hypothesis and I'd love your input....

I'm 33 yrs old, 6' 145lbs, 8-9%BF, active, great blood work, etc. I definitely have a cyclist's build, and my exercise comes in the form of cycling and weight training (undulating programs of O lifting and power lifting).

As an experiment I decided to try and gain 5-10lbs. I started riding much less (1 day/week for now), and shifted my weight training to a Rippetoe Starting Strength program. I didn't change my food too much, I just started eating more of everything and added a few more yams/sweet potatoes. One new thing has been the addition of raw cheeses which I eat a little bit of on most days.

I've managed to gain 5lbs, but my sleep has suffered. Some nights I sleep well, but all too often I wake up at 5, then 6, then 630, or some similar pattern. My sleep hygiene is very good, and I used to sleep much better so I really don't think any of the typical sleep tips are the problem. No other stress, etc. is present.

My theory is that increased energy input is causing increased energy output. Shocking huh. This seems to be Taubes' theory I think?

I don't wanna drastically try and change my body metabolism, so should I just leave my weight to do what it's gonna do?

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Make sure you aren't eating too close to bed time if you're having sleep issues. – No more. Jun 1 2011 at 18:57
nope, I make every effort to eat before the sun goes down, thanks though. – Jeff Jun 1 2011 at 20:02

4 Answers

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I always seem to post about this: but you might be eating too early upon waking up. Seth Roberts found that this caused early-waking insomnia, which he cured by skipping breakfast.

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thats interesting, I'll see what I can try! – Jeff Jun 1 2011 at 17:32
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This is the first thought that came to mind: Is it possible that you are in a high state of ketosis which is affecting your sleep?

In ketosis I find I'm buzzing from a natural high, I tend to wear myself out by the end of the day (I do not exercise either just normal day stuff) but maybe you aren't taking in enough calories per day?? Even though you've gained weight it could be pure muscle weight and you are burning off what little fat it sounds like you have left?

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thanks but it's most likely not ketosis. I eat a lot of sweet potatoes, dates, and cheese to prevent that I think. Also, Im eating at least 4000 kcals/day, which is quite tiring. ha – Jeff Jun 1 2011 at 17:32
wow! i bet thats tiring!! – Kelly Jun 2 2011 at 17:00
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Try eating more calories and if that doesn't work maybe try going to sleep earlier? waking up at 5-6am isn't that bad if your going to sleep at 8-10pm

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How are your cortisol levels? Have you been experiencing any stress beyond what you've noted here?

You may be hitting that perpetuating cycle where your sleep suffers, and then your sleep begins suffering because your sleep is suffering. Thoughts on this?

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I think it was high cortisol from overtraining and too low carb intakes... I've since drastically cut back my training (temporarily) and eating some more sweet potatoes. I've also stopped trying to gain weight.... Sleep has been MUCH better. – Jeff Aug 30 2011 at 19:49

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