Since digestion requires focused energy and effort, sleepiness enables humans to focus on gastrointestinal activities by temporarily shutting off other sensory systems. Like circadian sleep cycles, sleep and digestion are linked. The effect is magnified after eating a meal. There is usually a dip in the circadian rhythm in the afternoon, which contributes to sleepiness. 10 Circadian rhythmĬircadian rhythm is the biological clock which affects many biological processes. The effect of insufficient sleep gets amplified after heavy meals.
WHEN SHOULD I SLEEP AFTER EATING FULL
After a meal, the body feels full and relaxed, resulting in a feeling of sleepiness. Irregular sleeping patterns and lack of proper sleep can cause tiredness after eating. Prolonged expansion stimulates the release of chemicals (neuroendocrine substances) and activates the vagus nerve affecting the sleep center in the central nervous system, in turn inducing drowsiness. This leads to the expansion of the antrum (lower part of the stomach). These individuals have a greater likelihood of delayed processing of food than healthy individuals. People with frequent indigestion often complain of drowsiness after a meal. 8 Indigestion-induced delay in processing of food Small meals, combined with a high dose of insulin, can also cause diabetics to experience a sudden decrease in blood glucose levels within 2 to 4 hours, causing tiredness. As cells remain deprived of energy, the individuals experience fatigue. In these individuals, the efficacy of insulin to direct the glucose to cells is compromised. In diabetics, the intake of larger meals with a carbohydrate-rich diet can increase the blood glucose levels. Medical conditions such as food intolerances or allergies 7, celiac disease, anemia, and diabetes can contribute to excessive tiredness after eating. Tryptophan-rich foods such as eggs, cheese, fish, turkey, and tofu induce drowsiness. When blood with a large amount of tryptophan reaches the brain, tryptophan is converted into a chemical called serotonin and then into melatonin.
Insulin directs amino acids into the skeletal muscles, except tryptophan (a type of amino acid).
The pancreas releases insulin to maintain the blood glucose level. 5 Composition of foodĬarbohydrate-rich diet is easily digested and releases a large amount of glucose in the body. This, along with the effect of hormones, induces fatigue or sleepiness. As fat takes longer to digest, it causes expansion of the antrum (lower part of the stomach). 4Ī decrease in alertness is also common after the intake of fat-rich meals. This is due to the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system which instills a state of low energy in individuals. 3 Response to large, fat-rich mealsĮxperiencing tiredness is common after eating a large meal. In diets that are rich in fatty acids (such as vegetable oils, meat, and milk products) and carbohydrates, the immune response is more pronounced (due to chemicals such as interleukins), which causes individuals to experience fatigue. To adapt to the food, which is a foreign particle, the body induces a brief, low-intensity immune response. These hormones cause sedation or drowsiness. Apart from their local effects, these hormones affect the hypothalamus gland which controls the sleep mechanism. Intake of food leads to increased production of several gastrointestinal (gut) hormones (such as cholecystokinin (CCK), somatostatin, melatonin, secretin, peptide YY, and gastrin). A decreased volume of blood in the brain causes us to feel tired. When we consume food, the parasympathetic nervous system increases the blood flow to the gastrointestinal tract to meet the energy demands, while reducing blood flow to the brain. Increased blood flow to the digestive systemĭigestionof food requires a lot of energy and effort. While everyone has experienced this at some point, many are unaware of the science behind it.īelow are 10 reasons why we get tired after eating. In medical parlance, this phenomenon is known as postprandial fatigue or somnolence. It is also common to experience difficulty in concentrating on work after a meal. Many of us feel an urge to rest or sleep after eating a heavy meal. Do not reproduce, copy, reformat, publish, distribute, upload, post, transmit, transfer in any manner or sell any of the materials in this blog without the prior written permission from. Always consult your doctor for all diagnoses, treatments, and cures for any diseases or conditions, as well as before changing your health care regimen. The information provided is not intended to replace the care or advice of a qualified health care professional. Disclaimer: Please note that Mya Care does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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