Why do I feel tired and sleepy after lunch?

Fatigue and drowsiness often occur after a large meal. The cause is due to eating a lot of fatty and starchy foods. Blood will flow to the stomach to focus on digesting food and absorbing nutrients. As a result, blood flow to the brain is reduced, leading to a feeling of fatigue, according to the health website Healthline (USA).

Feeling tired and sleepy will easily appear if you eat lunch with a lot of fat and starch.

Another reason for feeling tired after a meal is that the body secretes a lot of insulin hormone to metabolize and bring glucose in the blood into the cells to absorb. The feeling of tiredness arises because the body needs to consume a lot of energy for this process.

In addition, eating will increase the concentration of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin will create a feeling of relaxation and sleepiness. All of these factors act at the same time and make the body tired after lunch.

Because after eating, more blood flows to the stomach and less to the brain, a good way to avoid fatigue is to exercise. A light walk after lunch will help reduce fatigue and sleepiness.

Additionally, going for a walk outside exposes you to fresh air and sunlight, which are also two factors that help you wake up. Another option is to drink something high in caffeine, such as tea or coffee.

However, people should avoid drinking caffeine in the late afternoon because it can make it difficult to sleep at night. Research published in the Journal of Sleep Medicine recommends not drinking coffee within 6 hours of bedtime because it can interfere with sleep.

The best way to deal with fatigue and drowsiness after lunch is to prevent it. Instead of having a large, high-calorie lunch, eat moderately, even dividing it into several small meals. Meals should also avoid foods high in fat and starch.

It’s also important to drink enough water, as dehydration can worsen fatigue. If you’ve tried everything and still feel tired after lunch, it could be due to lack of sleep, stress, or a high workload, according to Healthline .

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