Stop Getting Tired After Eating Plus Other Great Hacks To Help You Sleep Better - Nutiro

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Stop Getting Tired After Eating Plus Other Great Hacks To Help You Sleep Better

Stop Getting Tired After Eating Plus Other Great Hacks To Help You Sleep Better
sarah baker

Written by

Sarah Baker

Nutritionist @Nutiro

The myth about tryptophan in turkey causing fatigue has long been debunked; while tryptophan is linked to sleep and fatigue, it doesn’t make you sleepier than any other food.  That’s not to say turkey doesn’t make you tired, but rather food in general can make you tired.  But why?  And what can we do to prevent it?   

 

 

Still Subject for Debate

 

 

We know for a fact that people can become tired after eating.  Why exactly that happens, however, is what we don’t yet fully understand.  One hypothesis suggests that humans have a built in ‘vigilance signal’.  It means that we remain awake and alert when we’re hungry so we can find food.  After we eat we no longer need to be vigilant, and we become naturally tired.  Another looks at the increased blood flow to the small intestine after eating.  Originally it was thought this meant less blood flow in the brain, causing fatigue, but this idea is no longer well supported.  Newer evidence shows that if you skip breakfast, blood flow in the brain goes down after eating lunch.  Regardless, we still have a lot to learn. 

 

 

No Denying It

 

 

One thing is for certain- what you eat, and when you eat it, can affect both how tired you are and how well you sleep.  Where you are in your circadian rhythm also makes a big difference.  For example, eating a breakfast that’s high in carbs and little else will give your blood sugar a boost.  But what goes up must come down and you’re left with the much dreaded afternoon slump.  Using a meal plan generator and custom meal planner together is a great way to stay mindful of your morning carb intake.

 

 

Also Read:  Why Can’t I Lose Weight and What Can I Do About It?

How to Sleep Better

 

 

Before you make any big changes to your eating habits, take a look at your sleep habits first.  Unless most of your meals are processed foods or high in sugar.  Don’t hesitate to bring that down a notch.  But overall, sleeping better starts with your sleeping routine itself.  Limit your screen time a few hours before you go to bed, and don’t use your phone or laptop in bed.  Sticking to an evening routine can signal to your body when it’s time to sleep, which helps you naturally relax.  And if you’re in need of a midnight snack, go for a healthy protein or fiber that will keep you feeling full the whole night through.

 

 

▶ Take advantage of our Nutiro Ultimate Guide on How to Meal Plan that gives you the flexibility to enjoy other meal planning options such as keto, paleo, vegan, gluten-free, etc.

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sarah baker

About the author

We are here to support you on your journey to good eats with more healthy food options at your fingertips. Use our Nutiro customized meal plans and take the guesswork out of eating balanced meals for whatever meal options you prefer - Clean Eating, Keto, Paleo, Gluten-Free, Vegan - for any time throughout the day - breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Just like Sarah, we want to make YOU the hero of your own healthy eating lifestyle and help you make good choices with our Nutiro meal plan generator. Sign up and become your own hero in the Nutiro community!