Does ZzzQuil Break an Intermittent Fast? The Pros and Cons

Does ZzzQuil Break Your Fast?

Intermittent fasting has become an increasingly popular approach to health and weight loss. During the fasting period, no calories are consumed. This allows the body to enter a metabolic state called ketosis which burns fat for energy. Many people take sleep aids like ZzzQuil to help them get better quality sleep while fasting. But will ingesting ZzzQuil break your fast?

What is Intermittent Fasting?

Intermittent fasting (IF) is an eating pattern that involves regular fasting periods. The most popular approaches involve daily 16 hour fasts or fasting for 24 hours twice a week. During the fast, no calories are consumed. Water, black coffee, and non-caloric beverages are allowed. The goal of intermittent fasting is to allow the body to enter the metabolic state of ketosis between meals. When in ketosis, you burn stored fat as your primary fuel source. This can lead to weight loss and other health benefits like lower blood sugar, improved brain function, and reduced inflammation.

What is ZzzQuil?

ZzzQuil is an over-the-counter sleep aid sold by Vicks. It contains the active ingredient diphenhydramine HCI, which is an antihistamine. Diphenhydramine makes you feel sleepy by blocking histamine receptors. As an antihistamine, it also helps relieve allergy symptoms. The maximum recommended dose of ZzzQuil is two capsules or spoonfuls taken 30 minutes before bedtime. Taking ZzzQuil helps induce sleepiness so you fall asleep faster. It is commonly used occasionally when people are having trouble sleeping.

Does ZzzQuil Have Calories?

No, ZzzQuil does not contain any calories or carbohydrates. The liquid formula contains the following inactive ingredients: alcohol, citric acid, D&C red no. 33, FD&C blue no. 1, flavoring, glycerin, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, purified water, saccharin sodium, sodium benzoate, and sucralose. None of these ingredients contain calories or raise blood sugar levels. A single dose of ZzzQuil liquid contains about 8.7 mg of diphenhydramine HCl. The caplets contain 25mg per caplet without any additional ingredients. So ZzzQuil itself does not contain anything that would break your fasted state.

Will Taking ZzzQuil Break Your Fast?

Since ZzzQuil does not contain any calories, carbohydrates, or sweeteners, it should not spike your blood sugar levels or insulin. Your body remains in a fasted state if you take ZzzQuil. Most intermittent fasting protocols allow black coffee, tea, calorie-free beverages, and supplements that don’t impact ketosis. The amount of diphenhydramine HCI in ZzzQuil also should not make a difference. As long as you stick to the recommended dose before bed, ZzzQuil is generally recognized as safe for fasting.

Tips for Taking ZzzQuil While Fasting

If you decide to take ZzzQuil to help you sleep during intermittent fasting periods, keep the following tips in mind:

• Take the maximum recommended dose - don't exceed two capsules or spoonfuls
• Allow at least 8 hours for sleep after taking it
• Avoid driving or operating machinery after ingesting it
• Skip your dose if you need to be alert or productive

Pay attention to how ZzzQuil effects you. Since it can stay in your system for up to 8 hours, plan your dose timing appropriately around your schedule the next day.

Alternatives to Taking ZzzQuil While Fasting

If you want to enhance sleep quality during intermittent fasting but don’t want to take ZzzQuil, some alternatives include:

• Melatonin supplement - helps regulate sleep cycle
• Calm magnesium supplement - relaxes muscles for restful sleep
• Glycine supplement - shown to improve sleep quality
• Chamomile tea - well-known natural sleep aid
• Sleep meditation apps - help relax the body and mind

Be sure to time any sleep enhancing supplements to align with your body's natural ability to fall asleep. Avoid energizing supplements too close to bedtime.

The Pros and Cons of Taking ZzzQuil During Fasts

Here is a summary of potential benefits and downsides to keep in mind:

Pros

• Helps you fall asleep faster when fasting
• Won't spike blood sugar and interrupt ketosis
• Also relieves allergy symptoms as an antihistamine
• Non-habit forming when taken occasionally

Cons

• Can leave you drowsy the next morning
• May interact with other medications
• Not suitable for regular/long-term use
• Can cause next-day drowsiness with higher doses

The sedating qualities of ZzzQuil may help with sleep but affect your energy levels and productivity the next day. Make sure you understand the potential impact before taking it when fasting intermittently.

Ingesting ZzzQuil Does Not Break a Fast

According to the available evidence, taking the recommended dose ZzzQuil before bedtime should not break your intermittent fast. It does not contain calories, carbohydrates, or sweeteners that could impact your blood sugar and insulin. As always, pay attention to your body’s signals when trying something new related to fasting. If you have concerns about diphenhydramine’s potential impact on your blood chemistry, consult your healthcare provider before taking ZzzQuil while fasting.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.