How the Type of Protein You Choose Affects Your Sleep

We all always seem to be on a quest for better sleep. You've probably already tried everything from meditation apps to blackout curtains, but one place you probably haven't looked for improvements in your protein intake.

Recent research has cracked open a new chapter in the sleep-diet connection, suggesting that your protein source – whether it comes from plants or animals – might be more important than we thought. While we've long known that getting those recommended 7-8 hours of sleep is crucial for keeping our bodies and minds in top shape, the role of protein choice in this equation has remained surprisingly under-explored.

Swapping an evening steak for some lentils is certainly a much better option for the animals, and now it could actually help you sleep better. If you are struggling to get quality rest, understanding these dietary connections could help improve your sleep naturally.

Connections between our protein sources and sleep quality

Some nights, you sleep like a baby, while others, you're tossing and turning. It's an annoying situation we all deal with, and your protein type might have something to do with it. 

Scientists have been tracking thousands of people's eating habits and sleep patterns, looking at everything from how quickly they drift off to how refreshed they feel in the morning. They've found that various proteins affect our sleep in different ways. While that grilled chicken might seem like a safe dinner choice, your body might actually respond better to plant-based alternatives when it comes time to hit the pillow.

Plant proteins and better sleep

Emerging research suggests that incorporating more plant-based proteins into your diet could help improve your sleep quality. Unlike isolated protein supplements, plant-based proteins come bundled with fibre, minerals, and various bioactive compounds that work together to promote better rest. 

Think of foods like lentils, quinoa, and chickpeas – they're full of protein and rich in sleep-supporting nutrients like magnesium and B vitamins. Interestingly, it's not just about how much protein you're getting but where it comes from. The nutritional matrix of plant foods appears to play a crucial role. For example, edamame brings protein and minerals that help regulate your body's sleep-wake cycle. This suggests that the sleep benefits of plant proteins might have more to do with their complete nutritional profile than their protein content alone. 

The relationship between what we eat and how we sleep 

The amino acid called tryptophan is the one our bodies use as a building block for creating sleep-promoting chemicals - the first domino in a chain reaction that leads to better sleep.

When we eat foods rich in tryptophan, our bodies transform it into serotonin and melatonin – the natural compounds that help us feel relaxed and sleepy. Having tryptophan in our diet is important, but our bodies have to know how to use it, and this depends on the overall mix of nutrients in our meals.

Certain foods seem to create the perfect conditions for tryptophan to work. Combining carbohydrates with tryptophan-rich foods can help this sleepy molecule reach your brain more effectively. This might explain why a bowl of oatmeal with almonds or a banana with yogurt can make you feel drowsy – they're creating the ideal environment for quality sleep right in your body's chemistry lab. Pure Plant Protein offers 0.2g of Tryptophan per serving, so a protein shake nightcap may be the key to a good night's sleep!

Protein that supports your overall wellbeing, including better sleep

Pure Plant Protein is made from Australian faba beans, with each serve delivering the complete nutritional package you need. Faba beans are naturally loaded with tryptophan, that crucial amino acid that helps your body produce sleep-regulating compounds like serotonin and melatonin. Plus, they come bundled with B vitamins and minerals that support this process.

The benefits go way beyond better sleep, though. You're getting a powerful antioxidant boost for your immune system, cholesterol-friendly fibre, and essential minerals like manganese and copper that keep your bones strong. Unlike some plant proteins that can be grainy or chalky, Pure Plant Protein blends smoothly into your favourite recipes from your morning smoothie to an evening treat. It's basically your all-in-one solution for protein intake that supports both your nutritional needs and your body's natural sleep cycle. Pick your flavour, and try some today. We also have a new protein pancake mix that can make it even more delicious to stay healthy.