If you sleepy after lunch you are not alone because a large number of people feel like that. There are many reasons to feel sleepy or drowsy but the main reason is due to the digestive process.
The Human body needs the energy to function, which we get from food which is broken down through the digestive process and converted into fuel or glucose and finally, macronutrients provide calories or energy to human bodies.
If our food or lunch is quite sugary then in that case after eating sugary foods, then excessive secretion of insulin is needed to be produced by the pancreas in our body which then converts these sugars (glucose) and leads to increased production of serotonin and melatonin, which are two neurotransmitters that have a calming effect and help regulate sleep.
However, with few tips and tricks, you can avoid sleepiness or drowsiness.
(1) Heavy and type of lunch: If you have a habit of taking heavy lunch there is big possibility that you feel sleepy after that so simple solution is to take lighter lunch and you would certainly feel less sleepy.
Food that you eat for lunch takes your blood away from your brain to help your body with the digestion process. Your body also releases a bit of hormone after lunch that helps you fall asleep at night.
Similarly, avoid processed and high sugar foods as they lead to sleepiness and drowsiness. Processed foods contain high levels of sugar and refined carbohydrates and eating them initially causes a rise in blood sugar levels and later a drop, which results in low energy levels.
For example, by eating white bread our body quickly absorbs refined sugars, which causes an increase in our blood glucose levels. This increase is short lived and results in a fall of blood glucose levels, which leads to feelings of tiredness and sleepiness.
It is a good idea to avoid too many carbs or fats for lunch and eat foods such as fruits that are easily digestible if you want not to feel sleepy and drowsy.
(2)Short walk after lunch: Short and relaxed walk after lunch is another way you can feel better and less sleepy.
(3)Breath: Breath is a form of energy and just 2 to 3 minutes slow and deep breathing can fill you with fresh energy and you would feel more energetic. Point to note here is “slow and deep” breathing only.
(4)Proper sleep in the night: If you stay awake till late night there are high possibilities that you end up sleeping in the daytime so it is very important to have a proper night sleep.
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(5)Morning walk: Everyday morning walk is very good to stay active and energetic. Morning walk fills you with fresh energy and keeps you energetic the whole day.
(6)Food allergies or intolerance associated with digestive problems such as bloating and indigestion can also leave you feeling tired after meals. Our body requires energy to function and we extract this energy from our food, which is broken down via the digestive process and converted into fuel. Our digestive system is responsible for all kinds of responses i.e. digestive problems can make you feel tired after lunch.