10 Tips to Control Sleepiness Post Lunch at Work

It is perfectly normal and quite common for people to feel drowsy after meals. However, it can be very embarrassing when you are at work. Isn’t it?

It's likely that you also find yourself yawning at your desk after a satisfying lunch with your coworkers. On the other hand, you have an important assignment to finish within a limited time and submit it to your immediate boss or senior. It becomes an awkward situation. That said, we can tell you how to deal with it. So, if you really want to know how that’s possible, keep reading this article very carefully to its last bit.

Let us, first of all, try to understand the reason behind post-lunch lethargy or sluggishness. It happens as our pancreas produces insulin in order to regulate our blood sugar levels every time we eat. It’s like the heavier meal you have; the more insulin will be produced in your body. This process is majorly responsible for spiking blood sugar levels. As our insulin levels rise, our bodies begin to produce sleep hormones. Our brain then converts the sleep hormones into melatonin and serotonin, which are responsible for inducing drowsiness.

So, if you are fed up of this embarrassing post-lunch lethargy during working hours, here (below) are some tips for you:

Don’t be Seated Right After Lunch

Avoid getting back to your desk right after you finish your midday meal at work. You can do anything from taking brisk walks within your office premises to climbing stairs just to energize yourself. These kinds of short-term exercises can instantly boost your energy levels by escalating the oxygen levels in your blood.

You Can Opt For Chewing Gums As Well

According to a study report recently published in the American peer-reviewed journal, Physiology and Behavior, chewing gum can reduce lethargy or tiredness in a person and can increase alertness at the same time. However, you should also keep in mind that you don’t end up overdoing it, as it can reverse the effects.

Drinking Plenty of Water Can Also Help

Dehydration is known to cause fatigue, difficulty focusing, and low mood. Make sure that you keep your body well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water or other fluids throughout the day. It can make you feel lively and energetic even after you eat your meals.

Say 'No' to Junk Food

If you do not want to lose your energy and vigor even after having your meals, you must eat healthy food and say 'no' to junk. Most processed foods contain refined grains that do not take much time to digest. This quick digestion results in a fluctuation in your blood sugar levels, which is primarily responsible for your low energy levels. So, instead of eating junk or unhealthy food, you must add some energizing and otherwise healthy food items, such as leafy greens, complex carbohydrates, or lean proteins, to your meals.

Try Fixing Your Sleep Cycle

A peaceful sleep is one of the most essential things that your body requires for its good health. One of the major reasons behind why you feel tired and unfocused at work may be your disrupted sleep cycle. So, if you look forward to regaining your energy at work, you must start sleeping well, for at least seven to eight hours a day.

Stop Overeating If You Do

Excessive eating can slow your digestion and make your eyelids heavy. So, you must avoid eating too much, even if you’re having your favorite food, especially when you are at work.

Listen to Your Favorite Energizing Music

It is a proven fact that music can enhance a person’s performance at work. Moreover, some electrifying music or your favorite tracks can take away your post-meal lethargy at work. You must give it a try!

Take a Coffee Break

Who doesn’t know that coffee is a phenomenal instant energy source? So, don’t wait too long after lunch to have it if you feel sleepy sitting at your desk.

Try Altering Your Food Choices

Change the type of food you eat when you're at work. Incorporate more (rich) sources of iron, complex carbohydrates, and protein in your daytime meals. This can make you more active, focused, and spirited while you work, even after having your lunch.

Give Some Rest to Your Eyes

Strained eyes can also make you feel sleepy at work. Make sure that you give frequent short breaks to your eyes when you are working. Looking into your computer or laptop screens continuously for long hours can make you feel sluggish and drowsy. So, try giving your eyes the breaks they need if you look forward to being more productive at work.

Conclusion

We are sure that your problem will be solved if you go about following these tips. However, if you think these suggestions are not working for you and that you still feel listless at work all the time, you must see your doctor and ask for their advice.