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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Excessive Sleepiness During The Afternoon?

I m a 56 year old female. The past 2 weeks I ve been so sleepy in the afternoon that I fall asleep for about 30 min.. Nothing in my life has changed but I can t keep my eyes open until I take a short nap. This is unusual for me. should I be concerned?
Mon, 24 Sep 2018
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Internal Medicine Specialist 's  Response
Hello,

After eating food getting a little drowsy is common due to food influences melatonin production in the brain. This is the hormone that is responsible for sleepiness post-meal.

Foods that are rich in protein, such as meat, poultry, eggs, fish, spinach, tofu, cheese and soybeans, contain tryptophan amino acid. This amino acid is used by the body to produce serotonin, which is responsible for drowsiness.

So, it’s better to eat a balanced diet containing vegetables, grains and good fats to provide continuous energy. Drink lots of water and limit your sugar intake.

Eating smaller meals but more frequently can also help preserve energy so you don’t feel drowsy post-meal.

If you frequently feel drowsy post-meal, it may be a sign of diseases such as celiac disease, anaemia, food intolerance, allergies, sleep apnea and relatively inactive thyroids.

Consult your doctor if you suffer from these conditions or if you frequently fall asleep after having a meal.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Penchila Prasad Kandikattu , Internal Medicine Specialist
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What Causes Excessive Sleepiness During The Afternoon?

Hello, After eating food getting a little drowsy is common due to food influences melatonin production in the brain. This is the hormone that is responsible for sleepiness post-meal. Foods that are rich in protein, such as meat, poultry, eggs, fish, spinach, tofu, cheese and soybeans, contain tryptophan amino acid. This amino acid is used by the body to produce serotonin, which is responsible for drowsiness. So, it’s better to eat a balanced diet containing vegetables, grains and good fats to provide continuous energy. Drink lots of water and limit your sugar intake. Eating smaller meals but more frequently can also help preserve energy so you don’t feel drowsy post-meal. If you frequently feel drowsy post-meal, it may be a sign of diseases such as celiac disease, anaemia, food intolerance, allergies, sleep apnea and relatively inactive thyroids. Consult your doctor if you suffer from these conditions or if you frequently fall asleep after having a meal. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Regards, Dr Penchila Prasad Kandikattu , Internal Medicine Specialist