Why do you feel sleepy again and again after lunch, is this a symptom of some disease?

News Topical, Digital Desk : Many people 's eyes start to feel heavy as the afternoon approaches . Especially after lunch , feeling lethargic and sleepy at work , home, or while traveling is common . People often dismiss it as laziness, overeating, or fatigue. However, health experts say that if this problem occurs daily, it's not wise to take it lightly. Sometimes, it can also be a sign of an underlying health problem. So, let us explain why you feel sleepy after lunch and what illness it could be a symptom of.

What changes occur in the body after eating food?

After eating , the body 's focus shifts to digestion . During this time , blood flow to the digestive organs increases and to the brain decreases slightly . This can cause feelings of heaviness , lethargy , and sleepiness . This is also known as post - lunch dip in medical terms . While this is a natural process , certain factors can exacerbate it .​​​​​

Does excess carbohydrate increase lethargy ?

If lunch includes rice , potatoes , white bread , refined flour, or excessive sweets, blood sugar rises rapidly and then drops suddenly after a while. Due to this fluctuation, the body may feel tired and sleepy. This is the reason why there is more lethargy after eating heavy and sweet food. Apart from this, after eating food, some hormones are activated in the body which indicate that now is the time to rest . Due to this, the body goes into a relaxed mode and one feels sleepy or lazy. This effect is especially visible in the afternoon. At times, due to lack of sleep , the body is already tired and this tiredness increases further after lunch .

Frequent sleepiness after lunch is a sign of which disease?

Doctors say that if you feel sleepy, heavy, and lethargic every day after lunch , it could be an early sign of insulin resistance . In this condition , the body is unable to properly convert sugar into energy. Blood sugar levels rise rapidly after eating, and the body releases more insulin to control it . This process causes fatigue, sleepiness, and weakness over time. Experts also say that prolonged insulin resistance can increase the risk of diabetes , heart disease, and, in some cases, cancer. Sometimes, this problem has already begun despite normal fasting sugar levels . Therefore, it is also known as a silent metabolic problem .

How can we protect ourselves?

Experts recommend keeping your lunch light and balanced to avoid frequent sleepiness after lunch . Eat foods rich in fiber and protein, and avoid excessive sugars and refined carbs . Instead of lying down immediately after a meal, taking a 10-15 minute walk is considered better. Regular exercise , weight control , and adequate sleep can also significantly reduce this problem.

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