Do Pork Rinds Really Cause Sleepwalking? Examining the Controversial Link

Crunchy, salty pork rinds are a beloved low-carb snack for many. But could these crispy pig skins also contribute to sleepwalking, that disorienting disorder where people walk and talk in their sleep? This alleged link between pork rinds and somnambulism has sparked plenty of debate. Let’s walk through the controversy and evidence surrounding pork rinds and sleep behaviors.

What are Pork Rinds?

Before examining if and how pork rinds could lead to sleepwalking, let’s cover what exactly pork rinds are. Pork rinds, also called pork skins or chicharrones, are made from the skin of a pig. To produce them:

• Pork skin is simmered to render off fat
• The pork rind skins shrink and get crispy
• The crunchy rinds are then dried and fried or baked

The end result is a light, crispy, puffy snack that shares some textural similarities to potato chips or cheese puffs. But unlike those snacks, pork rinds contain zero carbohydrates. Their primary macronutrients are fat and protein.

This high-fat, bantam-carb nutritional makeup is what makes pork rinds an extremely popular snack choice for low-carb, ketogenic, and paleo diets. But could it also be setting the stage for sleepwalking?

What is Sleepwalking?

Before investigating if pork rinds cause sleepwalking, let’s first cover what exactly sleepwalking is Medically known as somnambulism, sleepwalking involves getting up and walking around while in a state of sleep Sleepwalking most often occurs in the first third of the night during slow wave or non-REM sleep cycles.

While sleepwalking, people can perform a range of basic activities like:

• Walking around the room or house
• Sitting up in bed
• Opening doors/windows
• Getting dressed or undressed
• Eating
• Talking, but not coherently

After a sleepwalking episode, the person generally has zero recall of their activities. Sleepwalking afflicts up to 4% of adults and over 10% of children. But what drives this disorder?

Causes of Sleepwalking

Medical experts have not pinpointed an exact cause for sleepwalking. However, certain factors are believed to contribute to or trigger sleepwalking episodes:

• Genetics – family history of sleepwalking
• Sleep deprivation/disruption
• Stress
• Fever or illness
• Medications that affect sleep cycles
• Sleep disorders like restless leg syndrome

With these major causes in mind, could food also play a role in sleepwalking? Let’s look at the pork rinds debate.

Do Pork Rinds Cause Sleepwalking?

The Theory:

Some people contend that eating pork rinds, especially right before bedtime, leads to increased sleepwalking.

The Evidence:

There have been no scientific studies empirically linking pork rind consumption to sleepwalking episodes. The evidence on this alleged link is mainly anecdotal.

However, there are some theoretical factors that could explain why pork rinds may disrupt sleep:

• High salt content could cause thirst and fluid shifts

• High protein and fat could delay digestion and alter hunger hormones

• Dehydration from salty snacks could also awaken sleepwalkers

• MSG or spices in flavored rinds could cause indigestion

On the other hand, even promoters of low-carb diets say that an occasional snack of plain pork rinds is fine and unlikely to massively disrupt sleep. The impact likely depends on serving size, individual sensitivities, and proximity to bedtime.

Tips to Prevent Sleepwalking

If you or a loved one does deal with recurring sleepwalking, these tips can help reduce episodes:

• Establish a regular sleep-wake schedule

• Wind down before bedtime with a buffer routine

• Avoid heavy meals, caffeine, alcohol before bed

• Manage stress through exercise, meditation, therapy

• Make the sleep environment cool and comfortable

• See a doctor for potential underlying issues

• Look for medication side effects that could contribute

• Use safety precautions like securing exits or sleeping low to the ground

While the verdict may still be out on pork rinds specifically causing sleepwalking, maintaining good sleep hygiene is paramount for anyone prone to nightly wanderings.

The Bottom Line

There is currently no strong scientific evidence confirming that eating pork rinds leads to sleepwalking. The link is mainly theoretical and anecdotal at this point. While occasional pork rinds are unlikely to cause issues, those vulnerable to sleepwalking should still avoid large servings too close to bedtime just to be safe. As with any food, moderation is key if you want to err on the side of caution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can pork rinds disrupt sleep at all?

While not definitively linked to sleepwalking, large servings of salty, fatty pork rinds could potentially disrupt sleep by causing thirst, indigestion, or blood sugar changes. But in moderation, they are unlikely to significantly impact sleep quality for most people.

Do certain flavors of pork rinds affect sleep more?

Heavily spiced flavors or those with MSG could be more likely to cause indigestion that may interfere with sleep. Plain salted pork rinds would likely cause fewer issues in terms of digestion. But the high salt could still provoke thirst.

Can children have sleep issues after eating pork rinds?

Children may be more sensitive to dietary influences on sleep. The high fat and salt content of pork rinds could potentially cause indigestion, dehydration, or blood sugar fluctuations that make sleep more difficult for some children. Moderation is advised.

Is there evidence linking other foods to sleepwalking?

Some studies have linked anxiety-provoking foods like caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and excess carbs to sleep disturbances. But there is no definitive food trigger. Sleepwalking likely results from a constellation of genetic, medical, and environmental factors.

What should I do if my child starts sleepwalking frequently?

Increased sleepwalking, especially with signs of fatigue, should be discussed with a pediatrician. They can check for underlying causes like sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, or medications that could contribute to sleepwalking. Addressing those issues and reinforcing good sleep habits can often reduce sleepwalking episodes.