You’re sitting at your desk after lunch, 15 minutes go by and you start yawning. Not even an hour later, you’re already drooling on your client’s file. Your one true mistake was chowing down too much for lunch. Western or Eastern, a heavy meal is not only the key to a full stomach but also an inevitable afternoon nap. At work or school, we’ve got you covered on all things food coma!
FOOD COMA IS…
Food coma is medically recognised as postprandial somnolence. It refers to the drowsy feeling after a big meal and is said to last as long as four hours. The symptoms include:
- Sleepiness.
- Lethargy.
- Physical exhaustion.
- Low energy levels.
- Poor concentration.
IT’S TRIGGERED BY…
Despite being infamously experienced by a lot of us, research has yet to determine the cause of food comas. Here are a few possible reasons
- Changes in blood circulation
Contradicting theories suggest that the blood flow in the brain and the body fluctuate before and after a meal. - Eating a big meal
Consuming a large meal that’s high in carbohydrates can increase the amino acid tryptophan in your blood. This raises the amount of sleep hormone in the brain called serotonin. Meals high in protein or fat welcome high levels of peptides and the cholecystokinin hormone. Both of these may increase feelings of sleepiness. - Effects of natural sleep rhythms
Your body’s circadian rhythm or the body clock has a natural 24-hour sleep-wake cycle. Besides the sleeping phase at night, a tiny phase may also be scheduled in the early afternoon. In addition to this, eating will only increase the duration of the nap but not induce it. - Evolutionary adaptation
Originating from hunter-gatherers, it may be a human body instinct to revert to the default sleepy state after eating. The food is stored as energy for later use and the brain takes time to process information from a day’s labour. Postprandial somnolence is also observed in many animal species too.
TAKING MATTTERS INTO YOUR OWN HANDS
There might not be a lot on the factors of food coma, but there are plenty of ways to avoid it. Here are a few:
- Eat balanced meals with modest portions. Examples include:
- More vegetables and fruits.
- Lesser desserts like cakes and ice cream.
- Lesser sugary drinks.
- Brown rice and quinoa over white rice and white bread (refined carbohydrates).
- Grilled or steamed chicken over deep-fried chicken.
- Limit alcohol intake.
- Stay hydrated.
- Get a good night’s sleep.
- Use a bright light at the desk.
Food coma is common and mostly harmless. Nevertheless, if you’re experiencing it regularly with other symptoms, don’t hesitate to speak to your doctor.
Sources: Healthline, Verywell Fit, Medical News Today, Health Hub SG
