Why Do You Get So Tired After Eating?
You just finished lunch. Not only do you feel full, but now the afternoon slump is setting in. So, why is it that you’re always tired after eating? Overall, it’s common to feel a dip in your energy levels after eating, but there are steps you can take to minimize the effects. Registered dietitian Julia Zumpano, RD, explains what causes it and how you can fight the fatigue.
Why do you feel so tired after eating? Postprandial somnolence, that feeling of sleepiness after eating, can be attributed to a few different things. Some of the foods you eat can release certain hormones that may make you tired. When you eat can also contribute to feeling fatigued. And how much you eat can play a role, too.
Another factor can be your sleep quality. It’s recommended that you get seven to nine hours of sleep each night. But even if you have trouble sleeping one night, it can throw off your circadian rhythm causing your body to be out of whack all day long.
Excerpted from Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials
