Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) Discussion Board

I found out a while ago that half a dose of whey protein (15-20 grams, regular protein marketed for muscle building, SCITEC brand) helps me fall asleep if I consume it about 30 minutes before going to bed. I have been able to do without for half a year, but my insomnia returned recently and once again I'm falling back to this magic potion.

I'm not happy taking it because I try to do intermittent fasting and it's full of stuff that I'm trying to avoid (like artificial sweeteners and flavors). At least it's low carb...
Any idea what the magic ingredient is that makes me fall asleep? Taurine maybe?

I used whey many years ago - it definitely seems to help reduce the anxiety/icky feeling for me when it happens in the midday, but I never tried it for sleep. You can get whey protein isolate itself (I use it as a protein replacement in GF baking)- don't know if it would do the same for you, but won't have all the additives.

So, after a month of using taurine: Nope. I slept like a baby the first night, but then no more effect.

I wonder if the sleepiness simply comes from an insulin surge, as whey seems to spike insulin https://pescience.com/blogs/blog/lesson ... -your-whey. I see the same effect from a carby meal, I get very sleepy afterwards. Considering the circumstances (trying to stay in ketosis) I guess I'll just have to cut whey out of my diet and look for other remedies...