Why sweets make you sleepy after eating them
Doctors explain the science behind the drowsiness that follows a sugary treat, from insulin spikes to brain chemicals
Whether it is a festival or a special occasion, most people enjoy eating sweets or chocolate. But have you ever noticed why sleepiness or sluggishness sets in soon after eating something sweet? A whole scientific process in the body is behind this, known in medical terms as a food coma. During this, insulin and blood sugar levels in the body change together, and these two changes combine to cause drowsiness and sleep.
Whenever we eat something sweet, the amount of glucose, or sugar, in the blood suddenly rises. To control this increased sugar, the body releases a large amount of the hormone insulin from the pancreas. This insulin works to bring blood sugar down quickly. This sudden drop in sugar levels also reduces the body's energy, which causes a feeling of fatigue and sleepiness.
There is also another reason, directly linked to the brain. When sweets are eaten, the effect of insulin causes amino acids present in the blood to be absorbed by the muscles, but an amino acid called tryptophan reaches the brain. Once there, tryptophan converts into hormones called serotonin and melatonin. Both these hormones help calm the body and induce sleep.
The brain also has cells called orexin, which work to keep the body awake and alert. When sugar levels rise in the body, the activity of these orexin cells slows down, making a person feel sluggish. Besides this, eating sweet or heavy food requires the digestive system to use more energy to digest it. Because of this, a large share of the body's blood flow shifts towards the stomach and intestines, temporarily reducing the blood flow reaching the brain and other organs, and this is what causes the sluggishness.
However, there is no need to give up sweets entirely, though it is important to keep the quantity under control. Including protein, fibre and nutritious foods in the diet keeps meals more balanced. A light walk some time after eating sweets can also be beneficial. Keeping the body's growth in check, paying attention to digestion, and managing emotional balance and stress also affect this entire system in the body.
