Food comas, also known as “post-prandial somnolence,” are a state of extreme drowsiness that happens after eating a large meal. A food coma can cause a person to feel excessively tired and even fall asleep. While it is normal to feel drowsy after a big meal, a food coma can be more extreme and last for an extended period of time.
How Does a Food Coma Happen?
The primary cause of a food coma is overeating. Eating an excessive amount of food — especially a meal high in carbohydrates — causes a spike in your blood sugar levels. This spike results in an influx of insulin, which causes a sudden drop in your blood sugar levels. This sudden drop in your blood sugar levels is what leads to the feeling of drowsiness or a “food coma.”
Can You Wake Up From a Food Coma?
Yes, it is possible to wake up from a food coma. The best way to do this is to try to increase your blood sugar levels. Consuming a small amount of sugar or carbohydrates can help to do this. Alternatively, simply getting up and moving around can also help to wake you up from a food coma.
