The Effects of Terrible Habit in Sleeping After Eating

Not a few people are used to sleeping right after eating. The habit of sleeping after eating can increase the risk of several diseases. Actually, there's nothing wrong with going to bed every now and then after eating. However, if this is a habit, various health problems can appear.

But in overall, eating a meal too close to bedtime may actually harm your sleep, especially if it's a large amount of food. As a general rule of thumb, nutritionists will tell you to wait about three hours between your last meal and bedtime. This allows some digestion to occur and gives time for the contents of your stomach to move into your small intestine.

The Effects of Terrible Habit in Sleeping After Eating

Going to bed right after eating is still considered safe for health if this is not a habit. However, if it has become a habit, sleeping after eating is at risk of causing the following health problems :

1. Obesity

A study states that people who often sleep after eating can experience significant weight gain. This is thought to be due to a lack of activity to burn calories from the food consumed. If this habit continues, over time it can lead to obesity.

2. GERD ( Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease )

People who go to sleep immediately after eating a lot of food will mostly experience acid reflux or the medical term Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). This occurs because the valve between the stomach and the esophagus does not close completely. Usually caused by the influence of gravity, namely a change in position to be supine. 

The supine or side position causes the food to not be digested by the stomach and instead goes up into the esophagus. GERD is usually triggered because the body is not in an upright position, which is the ideal position to digest food. If supine, reflux symptoms usually start from chest and throat feeling hot, nauseated, belching, and a bitter mouth. People are advised to wait for food to be completely digested at least three hours before going to bed.

3. Increases the risk of insomnia

Sleeping after eating in the afternoon or evening can make it difficult for you to sleep at night. If you continue to get used to it, gradually you can get sleep disturbances or insomnia.

4. Stroke

Sleeping immediately after eating can increase your chances of suffering a stroke. This is because undigested food can cause an imbalance in your blood sugar and blood pressure levels, and in extreme cases can lead to a life-threatening stroke.

Tips to Prevent Sleeping After Eating

There are several ways you can do to reduce drowsiness so that it is not easy to sleep after eating, namely :

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Reduce consumption of foods that contain lots of sugar, fat, and carbohydrates.

• Don't lie down after eating.

• Drink lots of water.

• Regular exercise, at least 20-30 minutes per day.

• Do light physical activity after every meal to avoid drowsiness.

• Get good-quality sleep. A person who gets enough sleep at night is less likely to experience a significant post-lunch energy dip.

• Go for a walk. Getting light exercise during the day, especially after eating, can help people feel less tired.

• Take a short nap during the day

Planning your meals so that there are several hours between your last meal and the time you lie down can reduce the likelihood of heartburn and other issues that disrupt sleep.