Experiencing fatigue after consuming a meal is common and often a typical response to digestion, particularly following a substantial meal. Tiredness post-meal can indicate reactive hypoglycemia, especially if it occurs within two to four hours after eating and is accompanied by additional symptoms.
Besides feeling sleepy, reactive hypoglycemia can bring on a range of other symptoms:
• Shaky or trembling hands
• Dizzy spells or feeling light-headed
• Sweating or having clammy skin
• Anxiety or nervousness kicking in
• Irritability or confusion setting in
• A racing heart or palpitations
• Intense hunger or cravings for sweets
• Blurry vision clouding your sight
• Difficulty concentrating or experiencing brain fog
To confirm if reactive hypoglycemia is the culprit, it’s essential to check your blood glucose levels when these symptoms occur—typically during that 2–4-hour window—and note if they improve as your blood sugar normalizes.
Dr.Tittu Oommen, MD, DM