Science explains the phenomenon of 'tight belly skin and loose eye skin'

Postprandial somnolence is a state of sleepiness that occurs immediately after a meal, often most evident around early afternoon, a time many people refer to as "the post-lunch slump."

Contrary to the old belief that blood is "shunted" from the brain to the stomach for digestion, science shows that the real cause is a combination of many biological processes and lifestyle habits.

Body changes after meals

As soon as you start eating, your digestive system immediately goes into overdrive. Your body prioritizes the distribution of blood to your stomach and intestines to help grind, break down, and absorb nutrients. This is like sending troops to a major battlefront, temporarily reducing blood flow and oxygen to other organs, including your brain.

Although your brain is still functioning normally, the slight decrease in oxygen can make you feel a little slower and more lethargic.

In parallel, the parasympathetic nervous system is strongly activated after a meal. This is the part responsible for the "rest and digest" state, as opposed to the sympathetic nervous system, which supports the body when it needs to be alert and responsive.

When the parasympathetic “takes over,” the body receives a signal that it is time to relax, reducing physical and mental activity to prioritize the digestive process. As a result, you easily feel drowsy, slow down, and want to… find a place to rest.

The role of the foods you eat

According to health experts, the nutritional composition of a meal greatly affects the level of sleepiness. Meals rich in refined carbohydrates such as pizza, white bread, chips or sweets often cause more fatigue.

This is because they cause blood sugar to rise rapidly, forcing the body to release insulin to lower it. This sudden drop in blood sugar can create a feeling of lethargy and sleepiness.

Foods rich in the amino acid tryptophan, such as milk, chicken, lobster, and some nuts, can also make you feel sluggish. Tryptophan is the building block for the body to produce serotonin and melatonin, two chemicals associated with relaxation and sleep.

Meal portion size is also important.

It’s not just the type of food you eat that counts, but the portion size as well. The more you eat, the harder your digestive system has to work to grind, break down, absorb, transport, and store nutrients. This workload requires a lot of energy, which causes your body to “withdraw” energy from other activities, making you feel sleepy.

Maintaining regular meals helps stabilize blood sugar, thereby keeping energy levels stable. On the other hand, skipping meals, eating irregularly, or going too long between meals can cause energy levels to fluctuate dramatically, leading to a mid-afternoon “battery drop.”

Tips to avoid drowsiness after eating

Feeling sleepy after a meal is a normal physiological phenomenon, especially if you have just eaten a large meal or consumed foods rich in refined carbohydrates.

However, if this condition occurs frequently, excessively, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as weight loss or persistent fatigue, see a doctor to rule out health problems such as blood sugar disorders or thyroid disease.

Some ways to help avoid drowsiness after eating:

Eat moderate portions, avoid overeating.

Combine complex carbohydrates (like whole grains, vegetables) with protein and healthy fats to sustain energy.

Eat on time, avoid skipping meals.

Drink enough water and exercise lightly after eating to aid digestion.

A good meal should give you energy, not put you to sleep. Adjusting your eating habits will help you stay alert, healthy, and enjoy your day to the fullest.