Sleepiness after eating is usually not a problem to worry about - it is a physiological condition caused by increased work of the digestive system. In some cases, however, somnolence after eating can indicate he alth problems, including problems as serious as circulatory problems caused by atherosclerosis, diabetes, and hormonal or metabolic disturbances. Why do you want to sleep after a meal? When is it completely normal to feel sleepy after eating, and when does it require attention? What tests should be done if you feel sleepy after eating?

Sleepiness after eatingis a condition that many people complain about. While it is usually thought to occur or worsen with age, the truth is that post-eating somnolence occurs, and not so rarely, also in young people.

Sleepiness after eating is very troublesome. However, when your postprandial fatigue condition wears off relatively quickly, there is usually no cause for concern. Sometimes, however, the feeling of weariness that occurs after a meal - especially after a heavy meal - even makes it impossible to function normally.

In such situations, it is advisable to contact a doctor, if only because the cause of this condition may be undiagnosed diseases. What are the most common causes of somnolence after eating, and when might somnolence after eating an illness be an illness?

Sleepiness after eating as a physiological state

The most common cause of sleepiness after eating is physiology. After a meal, the digestive system works intensively, and most of the blood, through which nutrients obtained from food are transported, is directed to the intestines. Less blood then goes to the central nervous system, including the brain - and although it does not suffer the slightest damage because of this, its activity often drops significantly. This is why, after a heavy meal, many people want to even take a short nap.

Sleepiness after eating and medication

Excessive sleepiness after eating can also be caused by some medications taken on a regular basis. So if you feel like sleeping after eating, check the leaflet of the medicine to see if it is due to it. Postprandial sleepiness as well as general excessive daytime sleepiness can be caused by taking, among others, such drugs as:

  • strong pain medications, inclopioids
  • drugs to lower blood pressure (antihypertensive drugs)
  • antidepressants and antipsychotics
  • benzodiazepines.

Sleepiness after eating and the type of meals. Sleepiness after sweets

The type of food eaten may also affect the feeling of sleepiness after a meal. Drowsiness after a large meal rich in meat, soy and cheese may be related to the excess of tryptophan present in these products, an amino acid that is necessary for the production of serotonin, high levels of which may have a hypnotic effect. Tryptophan itself also has properties that help you fall asleep: its large amount puts us in a blissful mood.

In turn, drowsiness after eating dessert is associated with an excess of carbohydrates, which causes a rapid increase in blood glucose levels in the blood. The pancreas then releases large amounts of insulin. This process may result in excessive sleepiness.

Sleepiness after eating - is it diabetes?

Sleepiness after eating can also be a sign of impaired glucose tolerance - so in some cases it can suggest the development of insulin resistance or even diabetes. It may be suspected if postprandial sleepiness is accompanied by other symptoms, such as weight gain typical of insulin resistance for no apparent reason, or problems with concentration or excessive thirst, general weakness or increased urination suggesting diabetes.

If this is the case, further medical examinations are required, including fasting blood sugar and, where indicated, an oral glucose or glucose and insulin tolerance test.

Sleepiness after eating and thyroid problems

People who have problems with the thyroid gland may also experience sleepiness after eating, specifically - hypothyroidism, a symptom of which is general fatigue and weariness, and even lethargy, also after eating.

Hypothyroidism may be suspected if, in addition to sleepiness, there are other symptoms after eating, including hair loss, dry skin, constipation, impaired concentration, memory problems, a feeling of constant cold or slowing heart rate. They can be confirmed or ruled out by measuring the level of TSH and thyroxine (FT4) in the blood.

Sleepiness after eating and low blood pressure

Sleepiness after eating can also be felt by people who have hypotension, or low blood pressure, also known as hypotension or hypotension. We speak of low blood pressure when the systolic blood pressure drops below 100 mm Hg, and diastolic blood pressure drops below 60 mm Hg.

People who have low blood pressure are not only prone to drowsinessafter a meal - they are also more often tired and weak, usually they also suffer from dizziness, cold hands and feet, spots in front of their eyes, problems with concentration, they also faint.

Sleepiness after eating - what tests are worth doing?

It is very difficult to judge what causes sleepiness after eating on your own. If this symptom is bothersome or worrying, it is worth contacting a doctor who - depending on the suspected cause - will issue a referral for tests. As a rule, in such cases it is necessary to perform morphology and iron level, to determine the level of fasting glucose, sometimes also to test thyroid hormones or to make a glucose-insulin curve.

Sleepiness after eating - how to avoid it?

How to fight sleepiness after eating? Drowsiness after a meal can be avoided and, if it occurs, it is safe to stimulate the body. How?

  • maintain a balanced diet . Meals should be balanced, avoid excess carbohydrates, and include he althy fats in the menu.
  • respect me altimes and don't skip me altimes . Skipping lunch can mean that we eat much more for lunch - which in turn can lead to a significant spike in blood sugar levels.
  • Do not drink anything sweet during or after a meal : juice, compote, carbonated drinks, sweetened coffee or tea.
  • limit sweets and sweet fruit , do not eat dessert right after lunch - and preferably give it up altogether.
  • if you feel tired , go for a walk, do a dozen squats, breathe deeply - this will oxygenate your brain.

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