✨ Why restlessness and insomnia can happen during fasting or juicing ✨
When you fast or juice, the body naturally shifts out of digest mode and into repair, cleanse, and recalibration mode. This is a big internal change. Hormones shift, minerals flush, the nervous system becomes more alert, and circulation patterns change. When several of these happen at once, the body can feel a little unsettled, especially at night. Here’s what’s really going on: 1. Blood sugar and adrenal support Without solid food, blood sugar can dip overnight. The body responds intelligently by releasing adrenaline and cortisol to keep you safe and stable. This can feel like restlessness, feeling wired but tired, or difficulty falling or staying asleep. This is not anxiety. It is the body doing its job. 2. Mineral flushing, especially sodium and magnesium Juicing moves fluids fast. With that comes mineral loss if they are not replenished. When minerals dip, people often feel cold, tense, crampy, internally agitated, or like their sleep is shallow or broken. That “I can’t get warm” feeling is a huge clue here. 3. Increased nervous system activity during detox As toxins, waste, and old buildup release, the nervous system becomes more alert. Nighttime is when the body does most of its repair work, so this can temporarily show up as racing thoughts, irritability, or lighter sleep. This is a phase. It settles as the body considers the environment safe again. 4. Digestion naturally slows at night The body does not want to process heavy or sweet inputs late in the evening. Juices or fruit close to bedtime can stimulate energy when the body wants rest, then create a drop that wakes you up. ⸻ 🌿 What helps immediately and gently • Add warmth at night. Socks, extra blankets, or a warm shower before bed • Replenish minerals. A pinch of sea salt in warm water or a mineral-rich broth earlier in the evening • Keep evenings lighter. Aim to stop juices 2 to 3 hours before sleep • If hunger shows up, listen. A small grounding food like banana, apple sauce, or potato can calm the nervous system and support sleep. This does not undo the cleanse. It supports it.