Why Do I Get So Tired After Lunch
Feeling sleepy after eating may be due to the type and amount of food a person eats. Other factors that can cause general fatigue, including stress and sleep difficulties, may also contribute to tiredness after meals.
Drowsiness after eating can be caused by the type and amount of food eaten. Other factors that can contribute to anyone’s fatigue, such as stress and sleep disorders, can contribute to fatigue after a meal.
Lifestyle changes such as eating less frequently and sleeping better can help reduce postprandial sleepiness.
Why do people feel tired after eating?
Below are some factors that may contribute to feeling tired after eating.
The authors give the example of tryptophan, an amino acid. When the body synthesizes tryptophan, it helps produce serotonin, which can induce sleep. Serotonin plays a role in mood and sleep cycle regulation.
Dietary sources of tryptophan includeTrusted Source the following:
Fish and seafood, including:
1. Salmon
2. Tuna
3. Crab
4. Shrimp
5. buckwheat
6. legumes
7. Seeds and nuts
8. Poultry
9. Red meats
According to the National Health Service in the United Kingdom, an unbalanced or unhealthy diet can cause general fatigue.
An unhealthy or unbalanced diet may be more reliable processed foods, such as fast foods, which are usually low in nutrients and high in calories Such foods may not be available one does not get adequate amounts of essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
How much food you eat:
A 2018 investigationA large or high-calorie lunch may make people more likely to feel exhausted, according to a reliable source. The authors point out that scientists are still learning a lot about the mechanisms underlying post-meal weariness.
Meal timing:
A 2017 study by aTrusted Source of 13 adult men with no food allergies or needs examined the impact of mealtimes on the productivity of night shift workers in Australia.
Participants who ate a meal at 1:30 a.m. had lower alertness than those who did not eat all night. However, those who did not eat experienced increased hunger and other gastric complaints.
Both groups of participants reported increased fatigue at 4 a.m., so the study authors suggest that the time of day may have a greater effect on sleepiness than food intake.
However, it is important to note that this is a small study with a very restricted population. These effects may not generalize to different populations, including people who do not participate in night shifts.
Further research is necessary to understand how the time of day may affect fatigue after meals.
Other factors:
The following factors may contribute to general fatigue, which a person may notice after eating:
1. Sleep disturbances, including insomnia
2. Not getting enough exercise
3. Mental health issues, including depression
4. Stress
5. Hormonal changes
6. Certain medical procedures, such chemotherapy
How to stop feeling tired after eating:
Feeling tired after a meal can be frustrating, especially after lunch, when a person may need to be alert.
The following techniques could help avoid fatigue after eating:
1. Eat little and often rather than consuming fewer, larger meal.
2. Exercise regularly
3. Keep your weight in check.
4. Establish a sleep schedule and refrain from naps in order to obtain high-quality sleep.
5. Stay hydrated
6. Avoid or restrict coffee, especially right before bed.
7. Reduce stress
8. Limit or avoid alcohol
When to consult a physician:
A person should consult a physician if they have persistent fatigue after eating that interferes with their quality of life.
The doctor can check that the patient’s fatigue is not due to any underlying medical condition. Lifestyle changes that can help a person manage fatigue can also be recommended.
Summary:
After eating, a lot of people feel less energetic. After meals, drowsiness may be exacerbated by large meals and meals high in tryptophan. This effect might also be influenced by the time of day.