Do you know the feeling of overwhelming sleepiness that comes after a big meal? The desire to lie down and take a nap becomes almost irresistible. Natalya Leontieva, a therapist, told RuNews24.ru why you feel so sleepy after a meal and how to deal with it.
“Drowsiness after eating is a common phenomenon that has several causes. Understanding them will help you control your condition and stay awake during the day,” the therapist said.
As the doctor explained, after a meal, most of the blood rushes to the digestive organs to ensure digestion. This can lead to a decrease in cerebral blood flow, which causes feelings of fatigue and drowsiness.
In addition, digestion stimulates the production of hormones such as serotonin and melatonin, which have a relaxing and calming effect. These hormones can cause drowsiness.
“After eating a meal, especially one rich in carbohydrates, blood glucose levels drop sharply and then rise just as sharply. This change in glucose levels can cause feelings of fatigue and drowsiness. Fatty and heavy foods need more energy to digest, which can also cause drowsiness. In addition, in people with insulin resistance or prediabetes after a meal may be more pronounced release of insulin, which leads to a sharp drop in glucose levels and, as a consequence, to sleepiness, “- explains the interlocutor of the publication.
The doctor emphasized that low iron levels also affect sleepiness. It is better to take a blood test and consult a doctor if there is a suspicion of iron deficiency.
Natalia Leontieva advised to give preference to a balanced diet containing a sufficient amount of proteins, organic and other substances, as well as to limit the consumption of fatty foods.
It is also worth taking food in small portions 5-6 times a day to avoid overeating and sharp fluctuations in blood glucose levels. But light physical activity after a meal, such as a walk, can help improve blood circulation and reduce drowsiness.
If you have no energy to fight sleep, you can take a nap for 20-30 minutes. This will help restore your energy. But remember that caffeine and energizers give only a weak effect, after which drowsiness returns with renewed vigor.
Therapist Natalia Leontievna noted that the cause of drowsiness can be a serious health problem. Therefore, it is better not to delay and seek help from a doctor.