Some people choose to sleep again after dawn because they still feel sleepy and hope to get more rest. However, sleeping after suhoor can have several impacts that should be considered. Below is a review of these effects.
Is it OK to Sleep Again After Suhoor?
Actually, sleeping after suhoor is not recommended because it can lead to the following issues:
Increased Stomach Acid
Lying down and sleeping after suhoor can cause stomach acid to rise, leading to discomfort. This discomfort may be worse if you already have a history of acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
GERD is a digestive disorder in which stomach acid frequently backs up into the esophagus. This acid reflux can irritate the lining of the esophagus.
Also read: Good Habits to Prevent Acid Reflux Complications
Dyspepsia
Dyspepsia, or indigestion, is another symptom that may occur when you go back to sleep after suhoor. Dyspepsia refers to discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen, bloating, feeling overly full, nausea, and gas.
Poor Sleep Quality
Going back to sleep after suhoor can lead to poor sleep quality. As a result, you may wake up feeling exhausted.
Sleeping too soon after a meal can affect sleep quality. Nutritionists recommend allowing at least three hours between eating and sleeping. This means you should avoid going back to sleep after suhoor and instead engage in other activities.
Impact on Body Weight
Studies have shown that people who sleep too soon after meals are more likely to gain weight. Additionally, food choices can also affect weight, especially if the food consumed is high in fat and calories.
What to Do After Suhoor
If sleeping after suhoor is not recommended, what should you do instead? To maintain a healthy body, here are some recommended activities:
Light Walking
You can take a light walk for at least 10 minutes to help clear your mind and manage your blood sugar levels after suhoor. There’s no need to walk long distances or engage in strenuous activities—light walking is more effective for aiding digestion.
Drink Water
Drinking water before imsak can help rehydrate your body. When fasting, the body loses fluids and electrolytes through sweat and urine, so it is essential to replenish these losses by drinking enough water before imsak.
Drinking water before imsak can also help flush out excess sodium consumed. High sodium intake can cause fluid retention in the body, leading to swelling and increased blood pressure.
Drowsiness after eating suhoor is common. However, post-meal drowsiness can also be influenced by certain health conditions.
To prevent excessive drowsiness after suhoor, avoid overeating. Ensure a balanced intake of nutrients, and try to avoid foods that are high in fat and carbohydrates.
If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or use the consultation features available in the Ai Care application, which can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play Store.
Looking for more tips and tricks for health, first aid, and other home remedies? Click here!
- dr. Pandu Lesmana
Christine Mugnolo (2023). How Bad Is It Really to Sleep Right After You Eat?. Available from: https://www.livestrong.com/article/556026-the-disadvantages-of-sleeping-immediately-after-a-meal/
Scott Frothingham (2020). Can Lying Down After Eating Cause Indigestion?. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/lying-down-after-eating
Tim Newman (2020). What to know about indigestion or dyspepsia. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/163484
Brandon Peters, MD (2022). How Long to Wait Between Eating and Bed. Available from: https://www.verywellhealth.com/eating-before-bed-3014981
Jay Summer (2023). Why Do I Get Sleepy After Eating?. Available from: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/nutrition/why-do-i-get-sleepy-after-eating