Sleepiness After Eating – How Often Happens? Is it cause for concern? [WE EXPLAIN]

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Drowsiness after eating does not affect everyone. It torments people who have problems with circulation the most, but it is not the only cause. Why do we become sleepy after eating? How to eliminate this problem? We check what we can do to fight post-lunch naps and what are their immediate causes. In some cases, you should go to a specialist.

Sleepiness After Eating – Why Can We Be Drowsy After Eating?

Sleepiness after eating is reported by an increasing number of patients, but this situation should not happen too often. After a meal, blood is delivered to the intestines during the day. Thus, its amount in the central nervous system decreases. We therefore become sleepy. There is nothing unnatural about it, but when sleep becomes the most important thing, because we cannot function normally, we should consult a specialist.

Sleepiness after eating and problems with the thyroid gland

One of the causes of sleepiness after eating is hypothyroidism. The hormone is responsible for the course of many important life processes, including metabolic processes. Reduced levels of thyroxine (T4) may cause drowsiness, especially after eating a meal.

Sleepiness after eating and diabetes

Another cause of sleepiness after a meal is too high blood glucose levels. This problem occurs especially in people suffering from type 1 diabetes. In case of excessive sleepiness after eating, special attention should be paid to children. Drowsiness after lunch can be one of the causes of diabetes, so see your doctor.

Sleepiness after eating and problems with the pancreas

If you experience fluctuations in blood glucose levels after a meal, you will also feel sleepy. This is due to the release of insulin from the pancreas to reduce the level of glucose in the cells. In addition to sleepiness, the patient may feel weak. You can see trembling hands and a sudden ravenous appetite.

Find out what is characterized by night eating syndrome

If you want to take care of your pancreas, undergo preventive examinations. At Medonet Market you will find Pancreatic Tests – a blood test package in which you can determine the level of amylase, lipase, and also CA 19-9. As part of the package, you can donate a blood sample at one of over 500 facilities in Poland or at your own home.

Sleepiness after eating and consumed products

Drowsiness after eating can also be caused by foods that are in our diet. Drowsiness can be caused by sweetswhich is associated with insulin release. The same is true of consuming plenty of carbohydrates, as well as proteins, especially tryptophan, which makes you drowsy. Let’s not forget about alcohol that causes euphoria and then depression, which is manifested by lethargy.

Check if you should consult a doctor? Go through the initial medical interview yourself.

Sleepiness After Eating – A Symptom of Hypersomnia?

If the patient, despite sleeping 7-8 hours, feels excessive sleepiness during the day, it may be a symptom of hypersomnia, i.e. sleep disorders. In this case, however, other causes must be ruled out because hypersomnia occurs not only after mealsbut also during other activities.

Sleepiness after a meal – ways to fight naps

In the fight against sleepiness after a meal, the following can help:

  1. eating regularly;
  2. avoiding carbohydrates;
  3. avoiding dessert after dinner;
  4. frequent walks;
  5. reduction of sweets;
  6. oxygenation of the brain (e.g. 20-30 deeper breaths);
  7. short breaks from work;
  8. inclusion of healthy fats in the diet.

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