Protein foods help provide you with energy and mental alertness but too much
protein and fats
from protein can keep you awake. Insomnia may also result
from eating these and other foods late at night.
Protein releases amino acids into your bloodstream after digestion. A high amount of protein promotes the amino acid tyrosine. Tyrosine enters the bloodstream and travels to the brain, where it increases the production of neurotransmitters, including dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine.