It is normal to feel slightly tired directly after eating, because eating certain foods can produce serotonin. This calming and relaxing (good feeling) chemical in the brain can cause you to feel slightly sleepy. Foods that can cause this chemical release are usually baked goods or sugary foods. From eating these foods to the production of serotonin is a process.
- Consumption of the foods which are baked or higher in sugar content.
- Rising of blood sugar levels because of the higher sugar content.
- Production of insulin happens in your pancreas and is released into the blood stream.
- Body creates tryptophan because of the increased insulin in the blood stream.
- The body converts tryptophan into serotonin within the brain.
- Serotonin creates a calm which makes you sleepy.
However, there are certain medical and physical conditions that can make you feel quite sleepy after eating, and these conditions will most likely need to be diagnosed by a your doctor. Some potential conditions that may make a person tired after eating are as follows:
- Allergic reactions: Food, seasonal and other allergies can cause reactions, including a feeling of being overly-tired. Some other symptoms are bowel abnormalities (constipation and diarrhea alternating), bloat and excessive gas.
- Nutrition deficiencies: Sometimes the body either does not receive (in your daily intake of food and supplements) or does not absorb certain nutrients. A nutritional deficiency can cause a feeling of being overly tired (even if you have done nothing to feel that way).
- Issues with Insulin: If your body does not regulate insulin correctly, a feeling of excessive tiredness may occur. This can happen to people who have diabetes and those who do not.
A site to view that may help you with your sleeping/eating issue is as follows:
http://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/why-do-i-feel-tired-after-eating