Didn't sleep well? Nutritionist reveals the perfect morning reset, and it includes a wholesome Indian breakfast

If you tossed and turned all night, there’s a good chance you woke up feeling foggy, irritable and craving something sugary. According to Delhi-based clinical nutritionist Lovneet Batra, that’s not just in your head — it’s your hormones reacting to poor sleep. In a recent Instagram post, she shared simple, science-backed steps to “reset” your body the morning after a bad night’s rest.

What happens when you sleep poorly
Batra explained that inadequate sleep causes a domino effect on the body. “Poor sleep raises cortisol, the stress hormone, leading to more sugar cravings and low energy,” she wrote in her post. The result? A day filled with fatigue and irritability.

She added that sleeplessness also disrupts blood sugar control, causing mid-morning slumps, while hunger hormones go out of balance — lowering leptin (which signals fullness) and increasing ghrelin (which triggers hunger). “That’s why after a bad night, you want to snack more,” she noted.

What to eat after a sleepless night
So what should your plate look like when you’re running on little rest? Batra’s answer is simple but specific.

Start with hydration – “Drink a litre of water as soon as you wake up,” she advised. Rehydration helps flush out stress hormones and jumpstart metabolism.

Add a saffron boost – She recommends steeping five to six strands of kesar (saffron) in warm water to make a gentle morning tea. Saffron, she said, can help calm the nervous system and improve mood.

Prioritize protein at breakfast – A protein-rich meal balances blood sugar and keeps cravings under control. Her top pick? “A dal cheela stuffed with paneer is ideal,” she shared, calling it a comforting yet nourishing option.

Lovneet Batra, who runs the Delhi-based clinic, is known for her sustainable, “no-deprivation” approach to wellness. In her post, she reminded followers that breakfast choices after a sleepless night can make or break how the rest of the day feels.

“When your focus is low, you make poor food decisions,” she warned, urging people to use nutrition as a recovery tool rather than reaching for caffeine or sugar for quick relief.

If your night’s sleep was a disaster, your first meal can help you bounce back. A tall glass of water, a touch of saffron, and a protein-packed Indian breakfast might just be the easiest — and most delicious — way to hit reset.