Is this a sign of a health problem?

New Delhi: As the afternoon approaches, many people suddenly start feeling heaviness and fatigue in the eyes. It is considered normal to fall asleep especially after lunch, while working in office, at home or while travelling. Most people ignore it considering it to be due to laziness, overeating or fatigue.

reason for sleep after lunch

However, health experts say that if sleepiness and fatigue become a regular problem after lunch, it should not be taken lightly. Sometimes this can be a sign of some problem going on in the body. Therefore, it is important to know why one feels sleepy again and again after lunch and what health problems it may indicate.

Changes in the body after eating

After a meal, the body’s attention becomes focused on the digestion process. During this time, blood flow to the digestive organs increases, reducing blood reaching the brain. This is the reason why one experiences heaviness, fatigue and sleep. In medical language it is called post lunch dip. This is a natural process, but due to some reasons its effect can increase.

effects of carbohydrates

If lunch includes rice, potatoes, white bread, refined flour or anything overly sweet, blood sugar rises rapidly and then suddenly falls. Due to this fluctuation the body feels tired and starts feeling sleepy. Additionally, after a meal certain hormones are activated that signal rest, causing the body to go into relaxed mode. If there is insufficient sleep at night, this problem may increase further.

Sleeplessness can be a sign of which disease?

According to doctors, if one feels continuous intense sleep, heaviness and fatigue after lunch, then it can be an early symptom of insulin resistance. In this condition, the body is not able to convert sugar into energy properly.

Blood sugar rises rapidly after a meal and the body releases more insulin to control it. After some time, this same process causes fatigue, weakness and sleep. Experts say that long-term insulin resistance can increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease and in some cases even cancer. Sometimes, this problem starts even though fasting sugar is normal, hence it is also called silent metabolic problem.

Ways to avoid this problem

Experts suggest keeping the meal light and balanced to avoid sleepiness after lunch. Eat a diet rich in fiber and protein and avoid excess sugar and refined carbohydrates. Instead of lying down immediately after a meal, it is beneficial to walk for 10 to 15 minutes. Along with this, regular exercise, controlling weight and getting adequate sleep can reduce this problem to a great extent.