afternoon zzzzzzzz

[bmccasland]

It seems lately I'm having a terrible time staying awake after lunch while at the office. And sometimes continue to be sleepy in the late afternoon when I get home.

I generally get 8 hrs of sleep at night. Drink 2 mugs of coffee in the morning. Ride my bike 2-3 x per week (1 hr each ride or so) Walk dog at a brisk pace most afternoons.

So my question is - is there something I SHOULD be eating at lunch so that all the blood in my body doesn't rush to my stomach to digest lunch? I generally don't have a big lunch on a daily basis either (leftovers from home, or lunch-in-a-box (Annie's, LeanCuisine, etc) + a piece of fruit, water).

OR are there foods I should try to avoid at lunch?

Fact of life is that I spend most work days at a desk. So I have to figure something out. Now that it isn't gawd-awful hot mid day, I could go for a walk to get the blood circulating again I suppose. Think that would hlep?

Really don't want to increase my coffee intake. I try to drink lots of water instead.

[pinkychique]

I found that eating carb-heavy lunches (such as refined bread/refined pasta) makes me sleepy. Whole wheat meals help a little, and lots of veggies. Protein is supposed to wake you up too. Maybe you could try eating more fresh veggies at lunch.

[LBTC]

Is it possible for you to get out for a short walk and some fresh air after you've eaten lunch? I find this does a lot for my digestion, my alertness, and my attitude in general. If it's a miserable day outside, could you wander around your building?

I'd hate to see you resorting to energy drinks, coffee, or stimulants, even the herbal kind, if you can avoid it.

Do you make sure you get some protein with each meal? You might even need it with each snack?

Good luck! It sucks to be sleepy when we can't afford to be!

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

[alpinerabbit]

yep, cut the carbs (not out, but down, if you still want some), and save one mug of coffee for after lunch. Actually make it an espresso if you can get it.

[solobiker]

I have found that if I eat a high carb lunch that I am pretty tired afterwards and it is hard to push through the rest of the day. What I have found that works for me is some lean protien such as chicken with some fresh veggies and a piece of fruit.

[Grog]

I love a 10-minute nap on my office's floor when I come back from lunch. With no pillow no blanket no nothing (well, the floor is carpet) I just can't stay there for longer than 10 minutes, but then I'm really refreshed. (I do have a timer.)

No matter what I eat, I'll be sleepy, although less so if I get less carbs at lunch...

[Aggie_Ama]

I have a parking garage (a very safe part of town) and I take a nap in my car. Lock the door, set the alarm on my cell phone and 15 minutes later I feel refreshed. If you can "power nap" I highly recommend it.

[RoadRaven]

Power nap - after lunch - you don't even need to sleep - just give yourself permission to close your eyes for ten minutes.
You know, we are the only creatures I can think of on this planet who seem to think you HAVE to stay awake and fully active from dawn til dusk!

I say, learn from the wisdom around us and rest periodically when you can... your body is giving you a clear message and its a message that makes sense when you do solid rides during the week, work solidly in between - not to mention other exercise like gardening, walking, gym, chasing kids or pets or however you spend your evenings and early mornings.

Your body is asking for a rest - listen to it... I wouldn't recommend changing your diet or adding too much caffiene, just listen to what is being said to you...

Best wishes

[sundial]

Do you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder? It sounds like you are spending more time indoors and you aren't getting as much sunlight. Maybe taking a quick walk around the block during lunch might help. And I've heard that eating an apple will give you an energy boost--as well as caffeine.

[bmccasland]

I'm in the far deep south, so am still getting lots of sunshine, although I'm not riding my bike as much after the hard training for the MS-150. I doubt it's SAD. I had a terrible time when I lived in northern California (Shasta Co.). Sun, I NEED sun One reason I'm not so sure about moving to Seattle (we have an office there).

But I have gone for walks either before or after lunch depending on my ability to concentrate. Or both We'll see how that goes. Getting the blood circulating does seem to help.

Will try to watch the carbs, and make sure I eat more protein.

Thanks everyone!

[RoadRaven]

Yup... a walk over to the river in the middle of the day is something I try to do when I am stuck in the office all day - particularly in summer...

But even with a brisk walk, or some fresh air, you might find yourself still tired.

There is no space to lie down on the floor in my office like Grog... but sometimes I shift the keyboard and rest my head on my arms for a few minutes... that helps...

[lph]

I'm a lot more awake when I eat salad heavy on protein (and a fair bit of fat, truth be told) for lunch than when I eat something heavy on carbs. I usually drink green tea afterwards, mildly stimulating but not very. Coffee later, to fuel up for my bike ride home

But a short nap really can be just the thing, if you need sleep.

If you're worried about being caught napping, you could try the "pencil trick"... Close your office door and scatter a full box of pencils over the floor. Lie down on the floor with your feet against the door and nap. If somebody tries to come in you wake up - just roll over onto your stomach and pretend you're just picking up pencils... "Oh, hi, come in, I just dropped this darn box and they're all over the place..." (courtesy of the Norwegian Water Resources Directorate)