Why do people feel sleepy after a meal?

Are you one of those who feel sleepy after a meal?

Sleepiness is normal and it happens to most of the people after eating since it is the body’s response to chemical changes during the digestion process.

However, if it occurs every time after eating, this can obstruct a person’s ability to function. It can hinder a person from doing his/her work effectively.

Sleepiness after a meal

Sleepiness occurs when the stomach is full. This is caused by many factors, including the type of food one consumes, your health condition, among others.

After eating, our body releases hormones such as glucagon, amylin, and cholecystokinin, which help in increasing blood sugar levels giving a sense of fullness. These will produce insulin, which then will be streamed through cell tissues and provide energy. The brain then releases serotonin, which causes drowsiness.

Food intake also influences the production of melatonin in the brain. Melatonin is responsible for sleepiness after a meal.

The body digests all types of foods in the same way. Some foods can trigger more drowsiness than others. Foods that are rich in protein, such as meat, poultry, eggs, fish, spinach, tofu, cheese, and soybeans, contain tryptophan amino acid. This amino acid is used by the body to produce serotonin, which is responsible for drowsiness.

Likewise, the foods that contain carbohydrates also produce tryptophan amino acids and serotonin found in the brain. This is also one of the reasons why you feel sleepy after eating food such as rice or potatoes, which are rich in carbohydrates.

Studies suggest that overeating also causes sleepiness since our body streams more blood to the digestive system to ensure digestion of foods. Such a case will cause a shortage of temporary blood and nutrients in the brain.

Therefore, eating a balanced diet with plenty of grains, vegetables, good fats, and plenty of water will prevent after-meal sleepiness.

Likewise, according to studies, bad sleeping patterns are also likely to cause sleepiness after a meal. However, if you feel sleepy regularly after having a meal, consulting the doctor is the solution. (Agencies)