There is such a thing! You almost always eat plump and sleep. Even the phrase is "after a delicious dinner you should sleep." Those who eat in portions and on a schedule do not face such problems. So what's the deal? Is it that all the blood flows to the digestive system, or is it a whole range of health problems?
As scientists recently discovered, sleepiness can be caused not only by poor oxygen supply to the brain, such as a rush of blood to the stomach. The point here is also in the "vigor hormone" - orexin, which is produced by a special part of the brain and is the main regulator of the "sleep-wake" mode.
The high content of orexin in the blood causes a surge of strength - a person wants to move mountains, eat a bull, love the whole world. This hormone sends animals to hunt, replacing them languid felting in the shade for running around in search of food. The level of this hormone rises and falls during the day, in accordance with the circadian (i.e., associated with the alternation of night and day) rhythms.
The regulation of the amount of orexin is determined not only by external, but also by internal factors. In the process of saturation of the body, leptin is released - the hormone of "satiety" - so it suppresses the production of our hormone of vigor. Large amounts of glucose can also block the activity of the body. Therefore, do not be surprised that even coffee makes you sleepy if you put four tablespoons of sugar in it.
Sleep after eating is a state of a healthy body, so there is no need to fight it. If possible, it is better to take a rest after lunch for 20-30 minutes. In most cases, this time is enough for the return of strength and vigor. But what if you want to sleep after dinner, and there is an important and responsible event ahead, requiring complete composure and concentration?
First, you can postpone lunch. Second, you can replace fatty or carbohydrate-rich foods with something lighter, preferably high in protein. Cottage cheese, eggs, vegetable salads, fruits are perfect. The feeling of hunger will recede, and you can deal with important matters and dine a little later.
As the gastroenterologist said, you want to sleep when you eat proteins, so it is better to eat vegetables, soup and so on for lunch. But for dinner, just protein foods: meat, fish, legumes.
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Or?
- The drowsiness that occurs after eating may be the result of the nervous system. We are talking about its vegetative part: the one that imperceptibly for us regulates the work of the whole organism. It consists of two components, the function of which is largely opposite: the sympathetic and parasympathetic parts of the nervous system. Sympathetic activates muscles, improves reaction - in all its glory, its work can be seen in runners standing at the start, or in a person who was suddenly afraid of something and is under stress. The parasympathetic nervous system, on the other hand, relaxes the muscles, slows down the heartbeat, and as a result, the person calms down.
So, after eating, the action of the parasympathetic nervous system reflexively prevails in a person. This has its own meaning: under its influence, the blood supply to the muscles is somewhat reduced, but the blood rushes to the digestive tract: after all, the food eaten must be somehow absorbed, and for this the involved organs must receive more blood. In other words, our body cannot simultaneously be in tension and normally absorb food, so it has to choose one thing. So immediately after eating, the body experiences a strong influence of the parasympathetic nervous system - this allows it to digest food. And in order to protect you from possible stress (after all, when it occurs, you will have to activate the sympathetic nervous system, which does not promote digestion at all),your brain gives you a sense of relaxation and calmness along with the desire to take a little nap. This is especially noticeable after a heavy meal.
However, this is just one of the theories - it is possible that drowsiness after eating may occur for other reasons. There are new studies that reveal in this process the role of blood glucose levels and the associated production of the neurohormone orexin. Chronic sleep deprivation, which many residents of large cities face, also plays a role. Under these conditions, the body tries to snatch maximum sleep for itself, and the time when a person has eaten and is relaxed is great for this.
Some foods contain high levels of tryptophan, an amino acid that stimulates the production of the sleep hormone melatonin. If your lunch or snack consists of such foods, it may be worth cutting them down, moving them to an evening meal, or eliminating them altogether.
Almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds and bananas, in addition to tryptophan, contain magnesium and potassium, which relax the muscles and make us feel pleasantly relaxed after eating. Some herbal teas, such as chamomile or mint, are best drunk in the evenings or before bed, because they have a calming effect on us and cause drowsiness.
To stay awake during your lunch break, it is better to drink plain water, strong coffee, green or black tea without sugar.
Fast carbohydrates and foods with a high glycemic index instantly charge us with energy, which, unfortunately, is depleted very quickly, first sharply increasing, and then, conversely, lowering blood sugar levels. You may feel tired and sleepy due to large swings in the level of glucose entering the body with harmful carbohydrates.
Confectionery and flour products, sugary snacks and drinks containing sugar and even sweet fruits and vegetables: all such products are fast carbohydrates with a high glycemic index. Monitor your diet and choose vegetables, fiber-rich foods and slow carbohydrates for long-lasting satiety and alertness.