Regular sleepiness after meals may be hiding diabetes - here's how to understand itMachine: I've provided a straightforward English translation of the Russian title while maintaining its original structure. The translation accurately conveys the meaning t

Many have noticed that after a heavy lunch or dinner, drowsiness sets in, as if the body demands immediate rest. It seems like simple laziness, but in reality, the reasons are much deeper and more surprising than they appear at first glance.

When a person eats, especially foods rich in carbohydrates, blood sugar levels rise sharply. In response, the body releases insulin - a hormone that helps absorb glucose. But along with this, insulin "pulls" the amino acid tryptophan into the brain, from which serotonin is produced, and then melatonin - the sleep hormone. That's why after a plate of pasta, potatoes, or a sweet dessert, you suddenly want to lie down and close your eyes.

There's another aspect - the work of the digestive system. After eating, most of the blood is directed to the stomach and intestines to help digest food. During this time, the brain receives less oxygen and energy, which also causes a feeling of fatigue. The body literally "asks" you to slow down to focus on digestion.

Drowsiness is especially pronounced after consuming fatty, fried, or heavy foods. Such dishes take longer to digest, forcing the body to work at full capacity. Unlike a light salad or protein snack, a heavy meal makes the stomach work for hours, which inevitably reduces alertness levels.

Interestingly, drowsiness after eating can also be a signal of problems - for example, metabolic disorders, insulin resistance, or early stages of diabetes. If you constantly feel tired after every meal, it's worth paying attention to your diet and blood sugar levels.

To avoid this condition, nutritionists advise eating small portions, not overloading the stomach, and choosing foods with a low glycemic index. A short walk after eating also helps - it activates metabolism and improves circulation.

So if you feel sleepy after lunch, it's not just laziness - it's the biochemistry of your body trying to balance energy and restore strength. But now you know why this happens - and how to stay energetic even after the most delicious meal.