Anyone can experience bad dreams occasionally, but frequent bad dreams can interrupt your daily life by making you tired. You may naturally wonder if a recent increase in your whey protein consumption is to blame for bad dreams, but other causes are more likely. Bad dreams are not usually serious, but you may need a doctor if you are unable to improve your sleep quality on your own.
Whey Protein Background
Whey protein is high-quality, highly digestible protein from milk. Many kinds of protein shakes and shake mixes, diet and nutritional bars, and protein powders contain whey protein, and whey is a common ingredient in processed food products such as ice cream, bread and canned soups. Weight control, osteoporosis prevention and improved immune function are among the potential, but unproven, benefits of whey protein supplements. Whey protein probably does not cause bad dreams, but careful examination of your reasons for taking whey protein and your pattern of consumption may help you determine why you are having nightmares.
Whey Protein and Stress
Whey protein bars and shakes can be replacements for individuals who do not have time to prepare and eat a regular meal or snack. Bad dreams can result from too much stress, and needing to eat whey protein supplements instead of fresh foods may be an indication that your life is extremely busy and possibly stressful. Whey protein itself is not likely to interfere with your sleep, but you may be able to improve your sleep quality if you take some time to relax during the day.
Athletes and Whey Protein
Athletes often take whey protein supplements for the extra protein and amino acids. Some evidence shows that whey protein may increase lean body mass and improve athletic performance in intense events, such as short bouts of bicycling, according to an article on the website HealthWise. Athletes who regularly experience bad dreams may benefit from a critical look at their training regimens, since overtraining can lead to sleep disturbances. If you are taking whey protein because you think it will help you with an upcoming, anxiety-provoking competition, relaxation exercises may help prevent nightmares.
Children and Nightmares
Children are most likely to have bad dreams, but you can help your children overcome them. Eating right before bed can increase chances of bad dreams. If you are giving your child a whey protein shake as a nutritional supplement to increase calorie and protein intake, encourage your child to take it earlier in the day instead of just before bed. Milk may be a better alternative to pure whey protein for sleep, since carbohydrates, such as the lactose in milk, tend to induce sleep.
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