Heavy Dinners Can Drain Your Energy the Next Day

An overly filling dinner can be one reason a person feels worn out the following day, the US outlet Huffpost reports, as retold by the Latvian portal NRA. The habit does not seem related to sleep at first glance, yet it affects energy levels, and doctors advise against overeating in the evening.

How dinner affects energy

Mary Valvano, a doctor of philosophy, notes that the traditional saying about giving dinner to your enemy rests on biology. A large meal late in the evening can negatively affect blood sugar levels and hinder the body's ability to draw optimal energy from food the next day. Intense digestion also disrupts restful sleep and upsets the natural circadian rhythm, so sleep quality declines even if a person falls asleep and wakes at the usual times.

Other habits that sap strength

Energy drinks give only a brief boost, then deplete energy reserves, endanger heart and brain health, promote inflammation and raise blood pressure. Green tea is suggested instead. A sedentary lifestyle and a diet high in sugar and processed foods also do not help alertness.

To feel more energetic, the advice is to include at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity daily and to build the diet on fruit, vegetables, whole grains and protein. Constant tiredness can also result from chronic stress, which can be managed with, for example, breathing exercises or yoga.

When to see a doctor

Occasional tiredness is normal, and if strength returns after rest and small lifestyle changes, there is no cause for concern. If weakness lasts longer than a week or two, a medical consultation may be needed. Huffpost says low energy sometimes points to health problems such as infections.