Why do I feel especially sleepy after lunch, and what should I do about it?
Jun 06, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Jun
Introduction
Feeling particularly sleepy after lunch may be caused by physiological factors or pathological conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, and can be managed through general treatments or medication. After a meal, blood flow in the body is redistributed to increase supply to the gastrointestinal tract, which relatively reduces blood flow to the brain, leading to drowsiness or sleepiness.
Feeling particularly sleepy after lunch may be caused by physiological factors, or it could result from pathological conditions such as hypertension or diabetes. Patients can manage the condition through general treatments or medication. The specific causes are as follows:
I. Physiological Factors
After eating, blood in the body is redistributed to increase blood supply to the gastrointestinal tract, which relatively reduces blood flow to the brain, leading to drowsiness or sleepiness. It is important to maintain an optimistic mindset and avoid emotional excitement.
II. Pathological Factors
1. Hypertension
During meals, chewing, swallowing, and gastrointestinal digestion may stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, causing elevated blood pressure and resulting in cerebral hypoxia, which can lead to symptoms such as dizziness and headaches. Patients may take medications such as amlodipine besylate and benazepril hydrochloride tablets (Ⅱ) or losartan potassium tablets as prescribed by their doctor.
2. Diabetes
After meals, the total glucose load increases rapidly, causing a sharp rise in blood sugar levels, followed by excessive insulin secretion that leads to a rapid drop in blood glucose, resulting in fatigue. Under medical guidance, patients may take medications such as sitagliptin phosphate tablets, glimepiride tablets, or empagliflozin tablets.
In addition to the above reasons, this symptom could also be caused by insufficient cerebral blood supply, cerebral hypoxia, or cerebral hemorrhage. It is recommended that patients seek timely medical evaluation at a reputable hospital if they experience these symptoms. Pay attention to dietary adjustments, favoring light and easily digestible foods.
