Does anyone else find it harder to sleep when losing weight? Is there a scientific reason?

[TolpuddleFarter]

When I'm not following a healthy eating plan, I tend to fall asleep quite easily, and quite early on in the evening (half past ten ish.)

I've noticed that when I start losing weight that I struggle to fall asleep (and also to stay asleep.) I find it hard to get to sleep before midnight, despite trying to. It isn't necessarily hunger that keeps me awake, as I have fruit by the side of my bed should I feel peckish. I follow all the same routines I do when not dieting.

I know this sounds a bit odd, but I find myself feeling almost energised at night time, and it feels almost like my body is metabolising something and it's keeping me awake. (It almost reminds me of when I've got a cold, or an illness, and you can almost feel your body fighting it off.)

I've tried a google about losing weight, metabolism and sleep and it doesn't throw anything up.

Does anyone else find this? Is there some science behind it?

[NantucketNightbird]

Yes definitely, usually I'm in bed by 8 and sleeping not long after but no later than nine. Now I'm awake until midnight and waking in the night. Was up at 5 this morning without an alarm!

[TolpuddleFarter]

What do you think it is?

Could do without it as I have a lull in the afternoon now, which is making me crave bad things!

[CreepingDogFart]

Me too but it's because I'm

1. Not drinking alcohol and therefore drinking tea in the evenings which contains caffeine but then also
   
2. Tea makes me wee

[lampshady]

I think it's because your body needs calories to sleep. Possibly. I used to be anorexic and never slept, and my doctor said it was because my body can't switch off, as it takes more calories to sleep than to lie down awake. I'm not sure if that's bullishit so don't quote me on that!

[Owllady]

Don't drink tea after 6 ish really! And yes cutting out alcohol does make it harder to go to sleep initially but your body will sort itself out :)

[NantucketNightbird]

I don't drink anything ever other than water, but I did eat 200g of chocolate and 6 bags of wotsits every day before going on a diet