At some point, everyone has felt like they could really, really use a nap after lunch. The phenomenon of the “afternoon slump,” or post-lunch drowsiness, is so common that the medical community has given it an official name—postprandial somnolence.
The post-meal feeling of tiredness and lethargy can make it hard to concentrate on afternoon work and often puts a heavy damper on post-lunch productiveness.
The reasons behind the “afternoon slump” are varied, but a few easy tips can help banish this fatigue and keep energy levels stable throughout the day.
The Circadian Element
It’s normal to feel a dip in afternoon energy levels and alertness because of our bodies’ natural circadian rhythms. This internal, biological body clock helps regulate sleep-wake patterns, which involve a host of different hormones and biological processes….