Arena Training Center

Eating protein before bed may improve muscle mass and aid recovery — if you lift weights. In the evening, especially in the hours before bed, our bodies are at their least insulin-sensitive. As melatonin levels rise, it interacts with receptors in the pancreas, signaling a reduction in insulin secretion. However, for the purposes of maximizing our adaptive response to resistance training, sleep is a period of long unbroken fasting. Evidence shows that during exercise training, consuming 30 grams of protein before enhances gains in muscle mass and strength. There’s two ways to look at this: One way is through the lens of time-restricted eating and the other is through the lens of actively optimizing for muscle protein synthesis on training days. Pre-sleep protein is just one way to increase total daily protein intake. A low-calorie protein shake on training days can support muscle growth by enhancing protein synthesis. However, keep in mind the natural drop in insulin sensitivity near bedtime, especially on non-training days when exercise isn’t boosting insulin sensitivity. Learn more by tuning into the Science of Protein podcast, available now on all major platforms. Show notes: foundmyfitness.com/episodes/…