"Sleepy Holiday"

In lieu of the holiday season, I felt it very appropriate to generate a blog that sheds light on the sense of extreme fatigue that occurs after consuming those Hearty Holiday meals.

Many of you have probably heard of this occurrence referred to as------ “ITIS!” (I hence some chuckles!)

Urban Dictionary defines this term from “THE BOONDOCKS” as: “The drowsy sleepy feeling you get after eating a large meal. Usually big Sunday dinners, Thanksgiving and Christmas meals.”

But on a more serious note, what is the reasoning behind this paralyzing fatigue that stops you dead in your tracks as soon as you leave the kitchen table???
After doing some research I have found that one of the most EXTREME cases of this is due to a disorder called HYPOGLYCEMIA (A disorder which occurs when your blood-glucose levels are low).


How does this happen?

• Your body's sugar (glucose) is used up too quickly
• Glucose is released into the bloodstream too slowly, and
• Too much insulin is released into the bloodstream

So, a quick fix for this is to consume something with sugar in order to raise the blood glucose level.

Most symptoms of hypoglycemia are very severe and are as follows:

• Decreased alertness
• Different size pupils
• Dizziness
• Excessive sweating
• Fainting
• Hallucinations
• Memory loss
• Muscle pain
• Paleness
• Pounding heartbeat (heartbeat sensations)
• Sleeping difficulty

BUT WAIT!!!!

This tired drowsy feeling is actually very normal after eating…. so there is no need to panic if you get a little sleepy after Christmas dinner.

What typically HAPPENS is that that an individual consumes a large amount of carbohydrates---- which causes the production of Tryptophan, a common amino acid. Tryptophan then triggers the release of SEROTONIN (a neurotransmitter) which causes the brain to make a response.

(Aside: Serotonin is also responsible for the regulation of mood, appetite, sleep, muscle contraction, and some cognitive functions including memory and learning.)

Ultimately, the release of SEROTONIN is what makes the body crave a NAP causing FATIGUE or “ITIS.”

WHAT ARE THE SOLUTIONS!

-Avoid foods that are high in flour and sugar (fried chicken, cake, etc.)

ALSO,

-Choose foods that wake the brain up such as: vegetables, green salads, lean protein, seeds, fish, chicken and nuts. These do not have such a great effect on your blood-glucose levels---so you remain awake!

Hopefully with these tips you can enjoy unwrapping gifts, being thankful, and celebrating the New Year without leaning over the sofa!

Happy Holidays!!!!

Learn More:
http://www.hypoglycemia-diet.com/blog/2007/02/do-you-feel-drowsy-after-eating.html
http://sleep.lovetoknow.com/Sleepy_After_Eating
https://health.google.com/health/ref/Hypoglycemia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serotonin
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/fatigue-after-eating.html