Table of contents:
- Cause of drowsiness after eating
- 1. Digestive patterns and hormones in the brain
- 2. The type of food you eat
- 3. Sleep habits
- 4. Health conditions
Are you one of those people who are often sleepy after eating? Have you ever thought why this is happening? Is this a sign that you are suffering from a disease? Maybe.
Feeling sleepy after eating is one of your body's responses to chemical changes caused by digestion. This means that it is normal for everyone. However, if you feel sleepy every time you finish eating and really interfere with your activities, this may need to be a concern. Feeling sleepy after lunch can also interfere when you have to do your work again after lunch.
Cause of drowsiness after eating
The stomach is full and then drowsiness appears. This happens to many people. Feelings of sleepiness after eating can be caused by several things, such as the type of food you eat, irregular sleeping habits, health conditions, and so on.
1. Digestive patterns and hormones in the brain
The body needs energy to perform its functions, and this energy is obtained through food. The body then breaks down the nutrients from the food in the digestive system to make glucose which is then converted into energy. After eating, the body releases hormones, such as the hormones amillin, glucagon, and cholecystokinins. These hormones function to increase blood sugar levels, make them feel full, and produce insulin which will flow into cells to provide energy to cells.
At the same time, the brain also releases the hormone serotonin, which causes drowsiness. In addition, food also affects the production of melatonin in the brain. These two hormones cause drowsiness after eating. Melatonin is made in the brain by converting the amino acid tryptophan to serotonin, and then to melatonin.
2. The type of food you eat
The body digests all food in the same way but food affects the body differently. Some foods can make you sleepy compared to others. Foods that are high in protein, such as meat, chicken, eggs, fish, spinach, tofu, cheese and soybeans contain the amino acid tryptophan. This amino acid is used by the body to produce serotonin, which is responsible for drowsiness.
In addition, eating foods that contain carbohydrates also helps the brain produce serotonin and makes the amino acid tryptophan available in the brain. This is the reason why after eating carbohydrate rich foods, you feel sleepy. The combination of foods containing the amino acid tryptophan (protein) and carbohydrates makes you sleepy. Therefore, foods that are good before bed are those that contain carbohydrates and protein, such as cereals and milk.
Too much eating can also cause drowsiness. After eating, the body flows more blood to the digestive system to digest large amounts of food. This causes a temporary deficiency of blood and nutrients in the brain.
To prevent drowsiness after eating, it's best to eat a balanced diet, including vegetables, whole grains, and good fats that aim to produce sustainable energy. Drinking lots of water, limiting your sugar intake, and eating smaller but more frequent meals can also help you maintain energy so you don't feel sleepy right away after eating.
3. Sleep habits
Poor nighttime sleep habits can also cause you to become drowsy after eating. After eating, the body feels full and relaxed, making the body feel rested and feeling sleepy, especially if you didn't get enough sleep the night before.
To prevent this from happening, you should improve your sleep patterns and avoid stress. Coupled with regular exercise can help you get a better night's sleep. It's best not to take a nap if you have trouble sleeping at night.
4. Health conditions
If you often feel sleepy and want to sleep every time after eating, this could be a sign of certain diseases, such as celiac disease, anemia, food intolerance, allergies, sleep apnea, and an underactive thyroid. Consult your doctor if you suffer from this condition or if you often feel drowsy especially after eating.
Sleepiness after eating can also be a sign that you are deficient in certain nutrients. Malnutrition causes food not to digest properly because your body fails to digest it. As a result, you will not have enough energy to support your activities throughout the day and feel sleepy all the time.
