Struggling to fall back asleep after waking up between 3 AM and 5 AM? You’re not alone. Many people experience this frustrating sleep disruption. Now, Dave Asprey, the controversial biohacking guru, claims he’s cracked the reason behind this phenomenon.
Asprey, known for his Bulletproof diet, believes the culprit is often a blood sugar crash.
Blood Sugar Crashes During Sleep: Asprey’s Theory
“For most people who wake up between 3 AM to 5 AM and can’t go back to sleep, that is a crash in your blood sugar,” Asprey states. “Most people who wake up feeling that way – ‘oh look, my blood sugar dropped’ – and the body said oh I needed some glucose to power my brain to do its cleaning process at night.”
According to Asprey, your body releases cortisol and adrenaline to trigger this glucose boost, waking you up in the process.
“But the problem is, cortisol and adrenaline wake you up. While the brain gets what it wants, you don’t get your sleep”
Asprey’s Proposed Solution: A Late-Night Snack
Asprey recommends combating this blood sugar drop with a small snack before bed. However, don’t reach for any old snack. He suggests:
“Try raw honey, collagen, MCT oil, or mix all three together,” he suggests.
MCT oil, derived from coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and some dairy products, is known for its fast absorption and ability to provide sustained energy. While there’s limited research directly linking raw honey, MCT oil, and sleep improvement, some studies suggest that they can help stabilize blood sugar levels.
While Asprey’s claims are intriguing, further research is needed to solidify the link between blood sugar crashes and waking up between 3 AM and 5 AM. However, experimenting with a bedtime snack containing MCT oil, honey, or collagen might help improve your sleep quality.
Have you experienced waking up between 3 AM and 5 AM? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!