Wake Up To The Benefits of Pre-Sleep Protein Shakes

A great range of supplements is available for fitness and health enthusiasts interested in optimizing their results. Among the most popular of these protein shakes due to their potentially powerful effects on body composition and performance.

Although protein shakes are gaining popularity among those interested in improving their health and fitness, many need to be aware of the research supporting their use and potential benefits. However, this blog post will explore the science behind pre-sleep protein shakes and discuss their potential benefits. Whether you're looking to optimize your health, physique, or performance, understanding the science behind pre-sleep protein shakes and exploring their possible uses can help you reach your goals.

Our bodies are in a constant cycle of Muscle Protein Breakdown (MPB) and Muscle Protein Synthesis (MPS). MPS is the biochemical process responsible for muscle growth, recovery, and fortification, while MPB has the opposite effect. Increasing the amount of protein in your diet would be a colossal understatement.

1. The Pre-Bed Protein Shake: All Muscle, No Fat

Start your days energized and healthy with a pre-bed protein shake! Consuming protein before you go to bed can help your body build muscle overnight and also reduce fat. The pre-bed protein shake is a great way to get the protein you need without sacrificing taste for nutrition. Protein shakes can be made with your favorite fruits, protein powder, milk or nut milk, and other delicious, nutritious snack ingredients. You can add other ingredients like yogurt, honey, or chia seeds to the mix for even more benefits. With the pre-bed protein shake, you can get all the muscle-building benefits without extra fat.

You must pay close attention to the number of calories in your protein shake before bed. As you can imagine, making a complex shake with a load of ingredients can make overdoing calories easy and disrupt your sleep by providing a spike in readily available energy. A general recommendation would be to stay within 300 calories.

Further studies have indicated that ingesting protein before bedtime may enhance skeletal muscle strength after resistance-type exercise. In addition, the investigation proposed that consuming 40 grams of dietary protein before slumber could activate muscle protein synthesis.

2. Enhanced muscle recovery

An essential benefit of pre-sleep protein shakes is enhanced muscle recovery. When you drink a shake right before bed, your body can use the nutrients to repair and rebuild muscle cells while you sleep. This helps to reduce muscle fatigue and soreness, allowing you to wake up feeling refreshed and ready to hit the gym the next day. Additionally, studies have shown that consuming protein before bed can help to increase muscle mass and strength, allowing you to reach your fitness goals faster.

3. Workout and Protein Timing

Regarding pre-sleep protein shakes, workout and protein timing are vital factors. Eating protein too close to bedtime can interfere with digestion and sleep quality, so it is important to schedule it adequately. The best time to take a pre-sleep shake is 30-45 minutes before bed. It's also essential to have a good workout session in the evening, as this will help to burn fat while promoting muscle growth and development. Furthermore, the timing of your protein shake should reflect the intensity of your workout. If it's a vigorous session, you should consume a shake with higher amounts of carbohydrates and protein about two hours before bedtime.

4. What Do I Drink, and How Much?

It's essential to make sure you're drinking the right kind of liquid to get the most out of your pre-sleep protein shake. Water is always the best choice, as it doesn't contain sugar that could disrupt sleep. You can also experiment with different types of milk, such as almond or coconut, as long as they don't have added sugar. As for how much to drink, the general rule of thumb is to use 1-2 cups of liquid for every scoop of protein powder. This will ensure that you get the right consistency for your shake. If it's still too thick, you can add more liquid to make it thinner.

The more important question here is what kind of protein. In many studies, it was observed that those who drank protein shakes made with casein did not experience a decrease in sleep quality. This may be because casein, a slow-digesting protein found in milk, releases low levels of amino acids gradually following ingestion.

In addition to casein, whey is the other protein found in milk. Whey is rapidly digested and has been shown to stimulate muscle protein synthesis at a higher rate yet for a shorter duration, making it a popular post-workout supplement. However, it is unknown what impact it will have on sleep quality. Therefore, it would be best to stick with casein unless you are looking for a plant-based protein.

Soy protein is a widely used dietary protein, particularly beneficial for vegans and those with lactose intolerance. It is a complete source of protein, comparable to casein and whey, providing essential amino acids the body cannot produce on its own. As for muscle protein synthesis, it generally performs better than casein but worse than whey. More research needs to be done to verify why this is the case.

5. Increased metabolism

Drinking a protein shake before bed is an excellent way to support metabolism. Protein shakes are rich in essential amino acids, which help to repair and build muscle. This helps to boost the metabolism, as the body needs to expend energy to repair and build muscle, thus burning more calories. Drinking a shake before bed also helps to maintain satiety throughout the night, which can help to reduce hunger during the day, thus avoiding unhealthy snacking. Furthermore, protein shakes are generally low in calories and carbs, which helps to prevent weight gain. Incorporating a protein shake before bed can be an effective way to support metabolism the next day.

In conclusion, pre-sleep protein shakes are a great way to get your body's nutrients during the night. The protein helps to keep your metabolism working, the BCAAs slow down muscle breakdown, and the carbohydrates help to provide energy for your body. They are also a great way to ensure enough protein in your diet. With all these benefits, pre-sleep protein shakes are a great addition to any health and fitness plan.

Sources:

Trommelen J, Van Loon LJ. Pre-sleep protein ingestion to improve the skeletal muscle adaptive response to exercise training. Nutrients. 2016;8(12). doi:10.3390/nu8120763