What causes postprandial sleepiness?

What causes postprandial sleepiness?

An amino acid called tryptophan, which occurs in many protein-rich foods, helps the body produce serotonin. Carbohydrates help the body absorb tryptophan. For these reasons, eating a meal rich in both protein and carbohydrates may make a person feel sleepy.

Why do we feel sleepy after eating?

Blood flow to the small intestine “dramatically increases” after a person eats, says Dr. Tomonori Kishino, a professor of health science at Japan’s Kyorin University. And as blood is pumped into the gut to fuel digestion, a corresponding drop in blood flow to the brain could trigger feelings of sleepiness, he says.

Are food comas real?

Post-meal grogginess, or a food coma, is a feeling of drowsiness and low energy after a large meal, and it actually has a scientific name: postprandial somnolence. This drowsiness isn’t the kind of sleepiness you experience when it’s time for bed.

Are food comas bad?

Rossow said experiencing a food coma isn’t harmful to the body. Indulging on your favorite foods one day a year, she said is OK. She recommends not trying to fight the sleepy feelings that come with food coma. “Take that nap if you need it,” she said.

Why do people fall into food comas?

There are a few reasons for this: a meal high in carbohydrates triggers a larger spike in insulin, which makes more tryptophan enter your brain. When that happens, the tryptophan first turns into serotonin, which makes you feel good, and then into melatonin, which makes you feel drowsy.

Is it bad to sleep after eating?

Your body gains weight when you take in more calories than you are burning off. This is the case no matter when you eat. Going to sleep directly after you eat means your body doesn’t get a chance to burn off those calories. And, eating a big meal and then hitting the couch can be just as harmful.

What does a food coma feel like?

Food coma, or postprandial somnolence, is the feeling of sleepiness or drowsiness after a meal due to the release of certain hormones as your body starts to digest food.

How do you fight food coma?

How to beat a food coma

1. 1: Don’t eat like it’s your last meal ever.
2. 2: Don’t skip breakfast in the morning.
3. 3: Drink a large glass of water before your meal.
4. 4: Green tea can work wonders.
5. 5: Avoid sugars – eat complex carbs.
6. 6: Be careful with fruit.
7. 7: Don’t let ‘fruit’ drinks fool you.
8. 8: Eat Balanced Meals.