How to Combat Afternoon Drowsiness

If you're like most people, you occasionally or maybe even frequently feel a drop in energy in the afternoon. This afternoon drowsiness can decrease your productivity and simply make you feel sluggish. The lack of energy that many people feel during this time of the day can be attributed to multiple causes, such as sleep patterns and dietary habits. You can fight afternoon droopiness through a variety of simple strategies.

Instructions

• 1

  Get adequate sleep. This is perhaps the simplest way to combat afternoon fatigue, but still many individuals fail to get enough sleep at night. The amount of sleep needed varies among individuals, but seven to nine hours is a good target to shoot for.

• 2

  Eat regular, healthy meals. This helps to maintain your blood sugar levels, which promotes alertness and energy. Eat a light meal at lunch time that includes a source of lean protein, such as chicken, nuts or fish. If you eat sugary junk food, you will feel a burst of energy that only lasts for a short time, followed by increased lethargy.

• 3

  Move around. Light to moderate exercise in the afternoon may be exactly what you need to increase blood flow, energy and mental alertness. Even if you don't have time for a workout, a few minutes of simple stretching or a quick walk can provide the boost that you need.

• 4

  Take a brief nap if possible. Catching 10 to 20 minutes of sleep will lend you some extra energy. If you sleep for a longer period of time, however, you may feel more tired when you awake.