Why Do Meals Make You Sleepy? Exploring Post-Meal Drowsiness

1. Blood Sugar Levels Rise and Fall

Eating carbs causes blood sugar to spike, then insulin lowers it, leading to tiredness.

2. Digestive Process Requires Energy

Digestion needs energy, diverting blood and making you feel tired.

3. Production of Hormones

Eating increases serotonin and melatonin, which promote relaxation and sleepiness.

4. Consumption of Heavy or Large Meals

Large, heavy meals take more energy to digest, making you feel lethargic.

5. Types of Food Eaten

Sugary and refined carbs cause rapid blood sugar changes, leading to fatigue. Balanced meals provide sustained energy.

6. Dehydration

Not drinking enough water can cause dehydration, leading to tiredness.

7. Lack of Sleep or Poor Lifestyle Habits

Poor sleep, lack of exercise, and stress lower overall energy, contributing to tiredness after eating.