We usually feel sleepy after a meal as a result of digestion modifications how blood and vitality flow into within the physique. When we eat, the abdomen and intestines begin working to interrupt down meals and take in vitamins. To assist this work, the physique directs extra blood in direction of the digestive organs. As a end result, much less blood and oxygen attain the mind for a quick whereas and this drop could make us feel drowsy or much less alert.
The kind of meals we eat additionally impacts how sleepy we feel. Meals wealthy in carbohydrates, similar to rice, bread, and sweets, elevate the quantity of glucose within the blood. The physique releases extra insulin to make use of or retailer this glucose. Insulin, in flip, permits sure amino acids to enter the mind, particularly tryptophan. Once inside, tryptophan helps produce serotonin and melatonin, two compounds that regulate temper and sleep. A heavy meal, subsequently, not solely diverts blood circulation but in addition will increase the extent of sleep-inducing hormones.
Large or fatty meals add to this impact as a result of they take longer to digest. The physique continues sending blood to the abdomen for a number of hours, holding vitality ranges low and slowing down bodily exercise. Warm environments or a relaxed state after consuming could make this drowsiness extra intense.
People who eat smaller, balanced meals or embrace fibre and protein usually feel much less sleepy as a result of digestion is steadier and blood sugar ranges keep secure.
