Why Do I Feel Tired In The Afternoon: Sudden fatigue, lethargy and sleepiness in the afternoon is becoming a common problem these days. Many people, despite getting enough sleep, exercising and following a healthy diet, feel completely energy-less after noon. This is often ignored considering it to be work pressure, age or mental fatigue, whereas deficiency of an important nutrient, Vitamin D, may be responsible for this.

Dr. Shovana Vaishnavi, in one of her articles in the Indian Express, tells that Vitamin D is not only for bones but also plays an important role in maintaining the energy level of the body. Due to its deficiency, the cells of the body are not able to function properly, due to which one suddenly starts feeling tired in the middle of the day. Generally healthy levels of vitamin D are considered to be between 20 and 50 ng/mL, but the majority of the population is well below this level.

Why is Vitamin D deficiency common in India?

Despite being a sun-rich country, Vitamin D deficiency has become a serious problem in India. According to many studies, more than 70 percent of the people in urban India are suffering from its deficiency. The main reasons behind this are staying inside the house or office most of the time, weakening of UV rays due to air pollution and the habit of avoiding sunlight. Vitamin D is essential for the proper functioning of mitochondria, which are called the energy factories of the body. When this process is affected, energy production also starts decreasing.

How does afternoon fatigue increase?

Due to deficiency of Vitamin D, the body is not able to produce ATP i.e. energy currency in sufficient quantity. It has a direct effect on the muscles and brain. It also helps in the production of a neurotransmitter called serotonin, which regulates mood and energy. The level of cortisol hormone in the body naturally falls during the afternoon. If there is a deficiency of Vitamin D, the body is unable to balance this change and lethargy takes over. Apart from this, due to increase in swelling one starts feeling sleepy.

role of circadian rhythm

According to the body’s natural clock, mild fatigue between 2 to 4 pm is considered normal. But deficiency of Vitamin D makes this common fatigue more profound. It also plays a role in the sleep-wake cycle and the balance of melatonin.

Other reasons are also responsible

Heavy and high carbohydrate lunch, lack of water, low protein intake and sitting for long periods can also increase afternoon fatigue.

What to do?

According to doctors, just sleeping more is not enough to deal with this problem. Vitamin D supplementation after medical advice, balanced diet, light walk after lunch and limited but regular sunlight can help in regaining the body’s energy.

Also read: Alzheimer’s Disease: Alzheimer’s took away memory, but could not erase love, how did the person struggling with the disease keep his relationship alive?

Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

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