It is common that after eating especially after lunch we get quite sleepy, even here in Venezuela it is said that after lunch is "The hour of the donkey" of fatigue that usually gives us after eating.

But why is this happening? I invite you to continue reading so you can learn about this topic.

Postprandial drowsiness

This is the reason why it makes us sleepy after eating, I also read that it is known as "Mal del Puerco", a rather strange name, right?

This is a body process in which the glucose present in food stimulates some hormones of the brain which should act at bedtime.

Taking into account that the glucose from what we eat can create a decrease in the production of orexins, Veruska which means orexins?, I explain that orexins are believed to be proteins that make the function of keeping us alert, because their levels are high of this protein that is characteristic during motor activity, so this protein is affected by the glucose levels we consume when we eat.

Recently "Denis Burkadov and his research colleagues at the University of Manchester, England," made a study which revealed that even a small increase in blood glucose levels significantly limits the neuronal activity which is responsible for the "orexins" "Which of course makes us want to sleep.

It is also said that when consuming carbohydrates, after eating, our digestive system breaks down these nutrients into nutrients to be able to absorb them. What this happens in our body demands energy from the body, and when it is eaten in large quantities, the energy requirement is greater, so drowsiness is experienced.

And what I already talk about when increasing insulin or glucose in our blood due to a high carbohydrate meal such as processed juices or desserts, bread, potatoes, rice or pasta, are foods that stimulate our body a release higher glucose which will cause the "orexins" to be affected as mentioned above and generate drowsiness.

How to avoid this

Since we have talked about how food can produce sleep, it is advisable to eat in a balanced way

We already know the reason why after eating it causes our body to sleep.en

So knowing this reason we can improve our diet to avoid sleep and of course be more active in our routines, because we are honest is horrible to work or study while we have that heaviness after eating but we can solve that problem.