Reasons We Feel Tired After Eating

It’s that time of year again when Americans have a lot of amazing holiday meals to look forward to. Juicy turkey, hearty stuffings, and decadent desserts are all highlights of the fall season — but they also lead many of us into a food coma shortly after our meal. Whether you desperately need a post-Thanksgiving meal nap or find yourself falling asleep on the couch after dinner, you may be wondering, “Why am I tired after eating?”

Feeling tired after eating is actually a very normal occurrence that most people experience every day. We usually refer to this as the “post-lunch dip” or a time after lunchtime when our bodies and brains become more fatigued. However, it’s important to note that while it’s normal to feel sleepy after eating a meal, extreme fatigue after eating is not normal.

We’re not sleep doctors, but we are snooze and mattress experts. If you want to understand more about why we feel tired after eating and how to avoid a painful food coma this holiday season, let’s get into it.

Why am I tired after eating?

Now that we’ve established that post-meal drowsiness is normal let’s discuss why it happens. Postprandial somnolence is a fancy scientific term for a “food coma” or fatigue we experience around 30 minutes to an hour after a meal. The causes of postprandial somnolence can be a result of:

• Changes in blood flow to the brain: It’s theorized that your brain conserves energy during digestion to help move the process along, slowing down brain activity, which can make you feel sleepy. If you’re overeating, the discomfort you’ll feel can lead you to feel sluggish and lethargic for more than just a couple of hours, which can impact your sleep schedule.
• Reactive hypoglycemia: A drop in blood sugar levels after eating, aka a sugar crash.
• Insulin resistance: Your body becomes less effective at using insulin to manage blood sugar, which can result in a drop in blood sugar levels.
• Meal-induced oxidative stress: Eating causes stress on your cells.
• High fat intake: Eating too much fat can make you feel lethargic and drowsy.
• Alcohol consumption: Having an alcoholic beverage with a meal can make you feel sleepy.
• Metabolic endotoxemia: Toxins from your gut enter your bloodstream and cause problems.
• Chronic inflammation: Long-term swelling and irritation in your body.

As we mentioned earlier, it’s normal to feel tired after eating, but if you experience extreme fatigue after eating to the point where you can’t stay awake, your body may notify you of a larger issue. For example, digestive problems cause your body to use more energy, depleting you of your energy after meals. Or, in many cases, falling asleep after a meal can point to signs that you’re not getting enough sleep.

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Why do I get tired after I eat turkey?

The age-old myth reads that the reason we feel so tired after eating Thanksgiving dinner is because turkey contains an amino acid called tryptophan that regulates your sleep cycle. So, does tryptophan actually make you sleepy? Not really. It promotes the production of serotonin, which can help you feel happier and more relaxed, but it should not make you sleepy.

The truth is that turkey does not contain more tryptophan than any other food that does; in fact, it contains less of the amino acid than chicken. In summary, turkey is not the sole reason you feel sleepy on Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving dinner and other holiday meals are a recipe for food comas: Consuming large portions of high-calorie foods like potatoes, stuffing, and pies paired with wine or beer is sure to end in a long, long nap. Unfortunately, a food coma nap can mess up your sleep schedule if you’re not careful.

How to stop feeling tired after eating

Although feeling sleepy after eating cannot be completely avoided, here are some tips to reduce the feeling of fatigue after a meal.

1. Eat smaller meals

Instead of having large meals at lunch or dinner, try eating smaller portions more frequently throughout the day. This can help prevent the sluggishness that comes from digestion and keep your energy levels steady, avoiding the post-lunch dip.

2. Limit carbs and sugar during the day

Avoid large portions of sugary or highly processed foods, which can cause a quick spike and crash in energy. Instead, include a mix of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs in your meals to keep your blood sugar levels stable. 

3. Get enough sleep

It’s no secret that the holidays wreak havoc on your sleep schedule. Whether you can’t sleep while traveling or enjoy drinking coffee at night after dinner, getting quality sleep every night is the best way to ensure that your body is functioning properly every day. We understand it can be tempting to cut back on sleep in favor of socializing or getting ahead on prep, but this can leave you feeling drained after meals. Aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night to help your body process food better and maintain energy throughout the day.

Waking up every morning feeling refreshed and ready to take on your day is only possible with the right mattress. Our mattress stores in Houston have been voted the best of the best by our customers in the community. You can trust us to find your perfect mattress match!

Keep reading: How long does it take to fall asleep?

Quality Sleep Is Easier with Texas Mattress Makers

In summary, there are many reasons why you might feel tired after eating, but if you’re experiencing daytime sleepiness or insomnia often, something needs to change — and it’s most likely your mattress. Having the right mattress is crucial for getting the deep, quality rest your body and brain need to function properly.

If you’re planning on hosting or traveling this holiday season, prioritize your sleep schedule, do your best to reduce stress, and enjoy your time with your loved ones. And if you’re searching for the best mattress for guest rooms, we have affordable, top-quality beds that will be perfect for a Thanksgiving nap. See our Hotel Comfort Mattress and our Guest Foam Mattress.

Visit any of our Houston mattress stores to get the best deals on Houston’s best mattresses!

More Helpful Articles by Texas Mattress Makers:

• Solutions for the Most Common Sleep Problems
• Tips for What To Do If You Can’t Fall Asleep
• How Much Sleep Do I Really Need?
• Great Gifts for Sleep Lovers
• How To Get More Sleep During the Holidays