There are many reasons why human feel less energetic in the afternoon, especially between 1 and 4 pm. In part, it’s physiological: Your normal circadian cycle dictates a period of sleepiness or decreased alertness in the afternoon.
However, medical disorders, sleep disorders, stress, insufficient sleep or bad eating habits can also trigger excessive sleepiness at this time. Keeping consistent sleep schedules, even on the weekends, will help your energy stages throughout the day.
“Afternoon slump” is a term used to describe the sluggish and sleepy feeling that comes on in the afternoon, usually between the hours of 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. There are a few different causes people experience afternoon slump, but the symptoms are generally the same. Understanding what’s been making you to feel tired or fatigued in the afternoon is necessary to figuring out how to address it.
Preventive medicine expert Roxanne B. Sukol, MD, explains why energy levels may drop dowwn in the afternoon, and how to pick it up? (Please note: If your fatigue lasts more than 2 weeks despite sleeping good, see your medical doctor. An underlying medical condition could be the cause.)
Your lunch raises your blood sugar
Consuming lots of stripped carbs and sugar at any meal or snack raises your blood sugars. This triggers the release of massive amounts of insulin into your bloodstream. Then your blood sugars plummet, and you’re left exhausted and starving. Keep in mind that real food nourishes you, but manufactured calories entertain. It’s not that you can’t ever consume sugar or white flour, it’s just that when it comes to nourishing yourself, treats doesn’t go in the plus category.
You almost never get enough sleep
Chronic sleep deprivation makes you squarely behind the 8 ball and worsens your afternoon slump. Don’t snatch a soda for an afternoon pick-me-up. Dark chocolate, coffee, and unsweetened iced tea are better options.
Your hormone levels vary naturally
Daily levels of the hormone cortisol have a tend to rise and fall in a predictable rhythm, that can make your energy to flag in the afternoon. If your schedule allows, plan a 5- to 10-minute power nap in the early afternoon.
Dehydration
Many of us just forget to drink water, throughout the day, if we don’t make it a priority. All those meetings and phone calls can push hydration way down on your to-do list, but if you need to beat that afternoon slump, drinking up is key.
Water is the main component of our body’s structure. When we are habitually dehydrated, it can impact the normal functioning of our body. The harder our body has to work, for its normal functioning, the more energy is needed. The less efficient we are, the more fatigued and tired we become. In other words, frequently sipping that H2O might even make you more productive.
You’re under too much stress
Cortisol works overtime when you’re extra stressed. This leaves you feeling exhausted and more susceptible to illness (like pneumonia or shingles) and injury (like strains or sprains). Set aside time to nourish yourself with loved ones, prayer, fishing, reading, pets, singing, hiking or making pottery. You’ll be better complete to tolerate life’s ups and downs.
