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Could drowsiness be a symptom of diseases? Is it worth having a checkup? Which specialist should you go to? How should you deal with the problem of constant sleepiness? The question is answered by the drug. Anna Mitschke.
Could sleepiness after a meal indicate an illness?
Hello. I am 37 years old and have a rather unusual problem. For several months, I have noticed that even after eating a meal that is not plentiful, I feel drowsy. This hasn’t happened before, so I’m starting to wonder if drowsiness after a meal it is a symptom of a disease. I haven’t had a checkup for a long time, maybe I should go to my family doctor and ask for a referral for a blood count. After a meal, apart from sleepiness, there is also occasional abdominal pain, as if pressure, which disappears after the diastolic tablet.
My friend advised me to ask the general practitioner for a referral to a gastroenterologist, because maybe specialized tests are needed, for example colonoscopy or gastroscopy, is that a good idea? I do not take any medications, occasionally, when the discomfort after a meal is too great, I do to myself herbal tea digestion and sometimes the effect is positive. I will also add that I have been for a long time trouble with bowel movements that is, I suffer from constipation. The problem is starting to build up and bother me because I eat out a lot, so bouts of drowsiness after a meal in a public place they are a great discomfort for me. Please, give me a hint what I should do.
The doctor explains the causes of sleepiness after eating
Many people feel sleepy after eating. Most often it is the result of physiological processes related to digestion. After a meal, the digestive system works at full speed. Therefore, the blood circulating in the body largely ends up in the intestines. Because of this, less blood is supplied to the brain and hence drowsiness after eating. Usually this is not a cause for concern. The occurrence of fatigue after a meal depends largely on what we ate, how much, how quickly and how tired we are.
Typically, drowsiness manifests itself after a larger meal. A meal consisting largely of simple carbohydrates that trigger a rapid insulin release will be more likely to make you feel tired after the meal. Alcohol is an additional factor contributing to the onset of somnolence after a meal. Not enough sleep in recent times causes additional fatigue, and the eaten meal intensifies it even more.
Symptoms such as abdominal pain after a meal, pressure may be symptoms of digestive system diseases. Such symptoms occur, among others, in inflammatory bowel diseases, irritable bowel syndrome. Sleepiness and constipation are symptoms of many diseases, including endocrine disorders, e.g. hypothyroidism. Maintaining high blood sugar levels can make you feel sleepy after a meal. This is one of the symptoms of diabetes. Excessive sleepiness may be a symptom of depression. Pathological excessive daytime sleepiness is called hypersomnia.
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It is an ailment that significantly disrupts everyday functioning. It is a dangerous symptom because the patient sometimes cannot control where and in what situation he falls asleep. This can happen, for example, while driving a car. In order to make an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to perform diagnostics. I suggest consulting your primary care physician. The doctor, after collecting a complete history and examining the patient, will decide on further proceedings. If necessary, he will refer you to a gastroenterologist.
— Lec. Anna Mitchke.
We encourage you to listen to the latest episode of the RESET podcast. This time we devote it to emotions. Often times, a particular sight, sound or smell brings to mind a similar situation that we have already experienced. What opportunities does this give us? How does our body react to such an emotion? You will hear about this and many other aspects related to emotions below.
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For a long time you have not been able to find the cause of your ailments or are you still looking for it? Do you want to tell us your story or draw attention to a common health problem? Write to the address [email protected] #Together we can do more