Sleepy After Eating: Diabetes or Just Ordinary Fatigue?

Have Hermina's friends ever felt very sleepy after eating? This condition is often experienced by many people and is often associated with diabetes. However, is that true? Let's discuss in more depth the causes of sleepiness after eating, how to deal with it, and when Hermina's friends need to consult a doctor.

Sleepy After Eating: What Causes It?

Drowsiness after eating, or what is often called "food coma," can be caused by several factors, including:

• Increased serotonin production: The serotonin hormone produced after eating can trigger drowsiness.

• Blood flow to the digestive system: When digesting food, the body diverts most of the blood flow to the digestive system, resulting in temporarily reduced blood flow to the brain.

• Insulin levels: Rising insulin levels after eating can also trigger drowsiness.

• Type of food: Foods high in simple carbohydrates can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar, followed by a sharp drop, leading to fatigue.

• Lack of sleep: Lack of sleep can make you feel tired more easily, including after eating.

• Certain medical conditions: Some medical conditions, such as diabetes, anemia, or sleep disorders, can cause excessive sleepiness.

Sleepy After Eating: Is It a Sign of Diabetes?

Not always. Although diabetes can cause drowsiness, especially if blood sugar levels are very high or low, this does not mean that everyone who feels sleepy after eating necessarily has diabetes. Other diabetes symptoms to look out for include:

• Often feel thirsty and hungry

• Frequent urination

• Unintentional weight loss

• Wounds that are difficult to heal

• Blurred vision

How to Overcome Feeling Drowsy After Eating

• Choose the right foods: Consume foods rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats.

• Eat small portions: Avoid eating too much at one time.

• Limit sugar consumption: Reduce consumption of sweet foods and drinks.

• Get enough sleep: Try to get 7-9 hours of sleep every night.

• Exercise regularly: Exercise can increase energy and metabolism.

• Manage stress: Stress can affect sleep patterns and appetite.

When is it necessary to consult a doctor?

Hermina's friends need to consult a doctor if conditions such as:

• Drowsiness that really interferes with daily activities.

• Drowsiness is accompanied by other symptoms such as weight loss, frequent thirst, or blurred vision.

• Have a family history of diabetes.

• Age over 45 years and have risk factors for diabetes.

Feeling sleepy after eating is common and does not always indicate a serious health problem. However, if Hermina Friends are worried, Hermina Friends can consult with an internal medicine specialist at Hermina Sukabumi Hospital to get the right diagnosis and treatment.

Referensi:

1. Gupta, et al. (2019). Subjective Hunger, Gastric Upset, and Sleepiness in Response to Altered Meal Timing during Simulated Shiftwork. Nutrients, 11(6), pp. 1352.

2. Diabetes: A Complete Guide to Prevention and Treatment oleh American Diabetes Association