Low carb dieting affects sleep - Wenatex Media Release

Oct. 13, 2010 - PRLog -- Skipping carbohydrates from your diet can affect your ability to fall asleep and lead to binge
eating.
Sleep expert, Michael Wernicke, from Wenatex Australia warns that this popular weight-loss habit
prevents the brain from calming down.
“The brain needs a combination of carbohydrates and small amounts of proteins that contain the
amino acid, tryptophan, to be able to relax,” Mr Wernicke said.
Tryptophan is found in protein-rich foods including turkey, eggs and nuts and helps the brain make
melatonin which causes us to feel sleepy.
“Eating carbohydrates makes tryptophan more available in the brain, so we are able to feel calm
and go to sleep,” The Wenatex spokesperson said.
“Skipping carbohydrates in favour of protein can keep the brain active and a poor night’s sleep will
make you crave sugary snacks the next day,” Mr Wernicke said.
Sleep-inducing meals include pasta with a little bit of meat or seafood and turkey or chicken with
vegetables.
“Calcium also helps the brain to use tryptophan to make melatonin, so a small snack containing
milk or cheese with wholemeal cereal or bread will also help,” Mr Wernicke said.
Eating large late-night snacks will disrupt sleep.
“To get the best results, eat snack-sized meals about an hour before bed,” Mr Wernicke said.
“Large meals might make you feel full and sleepy at first, but late night digestion will cause you to
wake up more often,” Mr Wernicke said.
Ends.
Media Contact: Kate Brinsmead M: 0414 229 649
Wenatex Australia T: (07) 3868 5600
E: k.brinsmead@wenatex.com.au
Wenatex is committed to sleep research and the supply of world-leading sleep technology.
Click here to visit the Wenatex website and access more information about sleep.
FACT SHEET
Wenatex Australia
• Wenatex is an international company committed to helping you and your family to enjoy
healthy, rejuvenating sleep.
• Wenatex is a family owned and operated company that is proud of its commitment to
research, education and the supply of world leading sleep technology.
• Wenatex’s international headquarters are in Salzburg, Austria, where the company began
in 1964. Its European operations extend to Austria, Germany and Italy and the Wenatex
brand has successfully expanded to Australia (in 2002) and New Zealand (in 2007).
Internationally, the company employs more than 1,600 people.
• Today, Wenatex is a name that represents professional consultation and information about
sound and refreshing sleep as well as a sensational product, the Wenatex Sleep System.
For more information about sleep, please visit the Wenatex resource page at
http://www.wenatex.com.au/sleep_articles.asp
Click here to learn some useful tips about achieving a better night’s sleep as Wenatex
spokesperson, Michael Wernicke, speaks to Lisa Wilkinson and Cameron Williams on
Channel 9’s Today Show.
Media Contact: Kate Brinsmead M: 0414 229 649
Wenatex Australia T: (07) 3868 5600
E: k.brinsmead@wenatex.com.au

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About Wenatex
Wenatex is an international company committed to helping you and your family to enjoy
healthy, rejuvenating sleep.
• Wenatex is a family owned and operated company that is proud of its commitment to
research, education and the supply of world leading sleep technology.
• Wenatex’s international headquarters are in Salzburg, Austria, where the company began
in 1964. The Wenatex brand has successfully expanded to Australia and New Zealand.
Internationally, the company employs more than 1,600 people.
• Today, Wenatex is a name that represents knowledgable information about sound and refreshing sleep as well as a sensational product, the Wenatex Sleep System.
For more information about sleep, please visit the Wenatex resource page at
http://www.wenatex.com.au/sleep_articles.asp
Click here to learn some useful tips about achieving a better night’s sleep as Wenatex
spokesperson, Michael Wernicke, appears on Channel 9’s Today Show.