5 Simple Tips For Overcoming Sleepiness After Eating

Illustration of People Eating (Jamie Brown / Unsplash)

JAKARTA - Have you ever felt as if your eyes were lulled to close after a heavy meal? There is no cure for drowsiness other than sleep. However, many activities seem to remind you to stay awake and delay sleeping for a while.

Drowsiness in the middle of busy activities is very disturbing. However, there's no need to worry because you can get rid of this sleepiness with the following simple tips:

Move

Several things can cause drowsiness after eating. One of them is the natural process of producing the hormones serotonin and melatonin. These two hormones usually increase when a person eats foods containing protein and carbohydrates.

In order not to get sleepy after eating, try not to sit back and relax. You can do small activities such as walking or moving.

Take a leisurely walk for at least 10-15 minutes after eating. This method is effective in reducing drowsiness because it helps blood flow.

Drink a lot of water

Dehydration contributes to drowsiness, weakness and difficulty concentrating. For that, make sure you consume enough water so that your fluid needs are still met.

Lack of body fluids also affects the metabolic processes and absorption of food nutrients. Drink lots of water 30 minutes before eating and consume it again 30 minutes after eating so that the digestive process runs smoothly.

Food menu choices

Inappropriate food menu choices can cause drowsiness after eating. Foods with high sugar content will increase the effect of sleepiness. Call it food menus such as white rice, bread, soft drinks, and other sweet foods that have a great potential to cause drowsiness.

This doesn't mean you shouldn't eat it at all, but try to limit the portions. Balance your food intake with sources of fiber and protein such as vegetables and fruit.

Don't be too full

Hunger stomach during the day sometimes makes people crazy to eat. Without thinking, you will eat anything on the plate. Try emotional control. The more full the stomach, the more hard the digestive organs will work and cause fatigue. If you are very tired, the effect will make you drowsy after being sleepy.

Eat gum

A study published in the journal Physiology and Behavior, chewing gum can reduce fatigue and improve focus. You can chew gum after eating so you don't get sleepy after eating.

Apart from helping to get rid of drowsiness, chewing gum also helps clean teeth from food debris. Choose low-sugar gum and chew it for at least 5 minutes after eating. Try drinking a glass of water after chewing gum to rinse the oral cavity.