Sleepiness After Eating Reason: It is often seen that after having lunch in the afternoon, people are unable to concentrate on work and they start falling asleep. In common language it is called food coma. This is not a disease but a natural process of our body. But if it is affecting your working capacity then it becomes important to know its reason and solution.

Scientific reason for sleepiness

When we eat food, our digestive system tries to break it down and convert it into energy. During this process, most of the blood flow in the body is diverted away from the brain and towards the digestive organs. Due to this, there is a slight decrease in the oxygen and energy available to the brain due to which we start feeling lethargic.

After eating food, the level of hormones like serotonin and melatonin increases in the body. These are feel-good hormones that take the body into a state of relaxation and sleep. Especially foods rich in carbohydrates and tryptophan speed up this process.

After eating heavy food the glucose level in the body suddenly increases. Due to which the pancreas releases insulin rapidly. Excessive amount of insulin increases the flow of chemicals that cause drowsiness in the brain, which leads to drowsiness.

how to overcome laziness

• Eat in small portions instead of eating too much at one time in the afternoon. Avoid heavy and oily food.
• Include things like salad, lentils and curd in your lunch. These keep digestion slow and steady.
• Sweet things and white rice increase blood sugar rapidly which subsequently leads to an energy crash.
• Lack of water in the body also causes lethargy, so drink enough water.
• After eating food, take a walk for 10-15 minutes. This improves blood circulation and relieves sleep.

If you feel lethargic or sleepy even after these changes, it could be a sign of other causes like anemia or thyroid. In such a situation, consult a doctor immediately.