Why Do We Feel Sleepy After Lunch?

It is two in the afternoon, and you are sitting at your desk. You had a nice lunch, but now your eyes feel heavy. Many people feel sleepy at this time of day. Is lunch the only reason?

Food can play a part, especially a big meal with lots of rice, bread or noodles. But scientists say there is another important reason: our body clock. Our body clock controls when we feel awake and when we feel sleepy. In the early afternoon, it naturally makes us feel a little less awake.

Studies show this afternoon drop in energy can happen even without lunch. It comes from the same body clock that makes us sleepy at night. So feeling sleepy after lunch is a normal part of our day.

There are a few simple ways to feel better. You can take a short nap of about twenty minutes, before three in the afternoon. A longer nap may make you feel more tired when you wake up. A short walk outside in the daylight may also help you wake up. Eating a smaller lunch may help, too.