Imagine a Sunday afternoon where you have just indulged in a wholesome feast and suddenly you start feeling sleepy. Most people think that they might be tired, lazy or are having weekend blues. The real reason behind this post-meal drowsiness is so much more than you feeling tired or lazy. Many people think that feeling sleepy after eating is just a coincidence but it’s not. After we eat, our bodies get to work to break down nutrients and start absorbing them. This happens more with meals which are rich in carbohydrates, proteins, or fats.
Let’s discover more about feeling drowsy after feasting on wholesome meals!
Why do you feel sleepy after eating?
Here are the reasons behind you experiencing post-meal sleepiness!
- Blood Sugar: Your body’s blood sugar level rises after breaking down food into glucose. After this the pancreas releases insulin, which helps transport glucose from the bloodstream into cells for energy. Sometimes this process could also result in your blood sugar level dropping, leading to fatigue.
- Hormonal Changes: While eating, your body releases various gut hormones. Amongst the gut hormones, there is serotonin which is involved in sleep regulation. This hormone could increase post-meal, making you feel drowsy.
- Digestive Process: Your body requires energy to process the food you are eating. Sometimes, blood flow is slightly redirected towards the digestive system to aid them in the process of digestion. This diversion of blood flow may make the rest of your body feel reduced energy, hence the sleepiness.
- Meal Composition: When the food you are devouring is rich in carbohydrates, your body will have a quick rise and fall in blood sugar. This could also be a reson behind you feeling sleepy after eating.
The real reason behind you feeling drowsy after meals could be any one or multiple of these reasons. If this becomes a serious or worrying issue for you, don’t hesitate to seek help from a doctor.