Why You Feel Sleepy In the Afternoon: Is Vitamin D Deficiency The Reason?

Feeling sleepy after lunch is extremely common. But people often blame this fatigue on food. Some believe that afternoon slump is a natural phenomenon and the timing of the day may have something to do with it. But what if we tell you that afternoon tiredness has a link with Vitamin D deficiency? Yes, you read that right. Today, we will tell you all you need to know about it.

To get an expert view on this, the editorial team of OnlyMyHealth reached out to Ms Edwina Raj, Head of Services - Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore.

Can Vitamin D Deficiency Make You Sleepy In the Afternoon? 

Let’s get to the main point right away. Is afternoon tiredness linked to Vitamin D deficiency? Our expert answers.

“Yes, Vitamin D deficiency can make you feel sleepy in the afternoon because this vitamin plays an important role in energy levels, muscle function, mood balance, and overall body regulation. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and supports healthy bones, but it also affects the brain and nervous system. Low levels of vitamin D are linked with fatigue, low mood, body aches, and poor sleep quality. When your sleep at night is disturbed, you may feel tired and sleepy during the day, especially in the afternoon,” explains Ms Raj.

The expert adds, “Vitamin D also supports muscle strength and reduces inflammation in the body. When its levels are low, you may feel weak, heavy, or less active, which can increase the feeling of tiredness after lunch. Some studies show that vitamin D affects certain brain chemicals that control alertness and mood. Low levels may therefore lead to low energy, mild depression, and difficulty concentrating. People who spend less time in sunlight, work indoors, have darker skin, are overweight, or are above 50 years of age are at higher risk of deficiency.”

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Health Risks Of Vitamin D Deficiency

As per a new study, which has been led by the University of Surrey, there is a correlation between vitamin D deficiency and the risk of hospital admissions for respiratory infections. The finding suggests that people with a severe vitamin D deficiency (below 15 nmol/L) are more likely to be admitted to hospital with conditions such as bronchitis and pneumonia.

On this note, let us look at some of the sources of Vitamin D:

• Sun exposure on skin.
• Food.
• Nutritional supplements.

Vitamin D deficiency can affect the body in the following ways:

• Vitamin D deficiency may lead to reduced muscle strength, slower reaction times, and fatigue. This can affect your overall performance, endurance, and ability to train effectively.
• It can raise your risk of suffering from heart problems.
• Your body needs Vitamin D to help maintain your blood sugar levels.
• Vitamin D deficiency causes weight gain.
• Vitamin D deficiency can make people more prone to illnesses and infections.

Tips To Deal With Vitamin D Deficiency

On this note, Ms Raj shares tips to fix vitamin D deficiency: 

• It is important to get safe sunlight exposure for about 15 to 30 minutes in the morning or late afternoon, depending on skin type and local climate.
• Eating foods rich in vitamin D such as fatty fish, egg yolk, fortified milk, and mushrooms can also help.
• In many cases, doctors recommend vitamin D supplements after checking blood levels.
• It is important not to take high doses without medical advice because too much vitamin D can cause side effects.

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The Final Word

In simple words, low vitamin D can make you feel tired and sleepy in the afternoon. This is because it affects energy, mood, and sleep quality. Proper sunlight, diet, and supplements under medical guidance can help improve your energy levels.