Are college students even college students if they’re not tired? Obviously not getting enough sleep plays a role in being tired, but there might be some other factors contributing to drowsiness, and one of those might be food. There are certain foods that are known to make you feel tired, so while they might be helpful to eat before bed, it’s probably not the best idea to eat them in the middle of the day when you’re trying to stay awake and be productive.
1. Bananas
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Bananas are high in magnesium, which happens to be a muscle relaxant. Although bananas are an easy and healthy snack to throw in your backpack, their magnesium makes them a great sleep aid, meaning they can also lower your energy during the day.
2. Red meat
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High-fat meats can make you feel heavy after eating them. That’s because fats are harder for the body to break down, so it needs a more complicated process to digest than other nutrients. All of your body’s energy is going to be focused on digesting these fats, which in turn, makes you feel tired.
3. Cherries
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Since cherries are high in melatonin, they work well as a natural sleep aid and can even improve your quality of sleep. Cherries can even “help restore your natural sleep cycle and regulate your body’s circadian rhythms.” This means that they’re probably not the best choice of snack during the day.
4. White bread
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Unfortunately, white bread includes pastries, white rice, pasta, muffins, and processed foods. Because these carbs have a high glycemic index, they don’t have a lot of fiber, which means they break down very quickly, and you won’t receive a constant flow of energy. Also, the large amount of flour and sugar in them can cause drowsiness.
5. Fish
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Fish like salmon, halibut, and tuna are rich in vitamin B6, which the body uses to make melatonin (the sleep hormone). Stick to eating these natural sedatives at night – when the effects will actually benefit you.
6. Turkey
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Lean proteins like turkey are high in tryptophan, which is an amino acid that increases serotonin levels. This is probably explains why you go into a food coma after Thanksgiving.
So, while eating is a great idea if you’re feeling a little sluggish during the day, it might not be your best bet if it’s one of these six foods. This article isn’t saying you should steer clear of these items, but if you’re looking for a midday pick-me-up, you might want to pick something up that isn’t one of these things.