Due to the circadian rhythms of our bodies, guided by internal pacemakers (our internal biological processes) as well as the external zeitgebers (the environmental triggers that help guide our body-clocks), we really have fairly limited control over when we feel awake or asleep.

Obviously getting a good night’s sleep will likely help to see us through most of the day, however even when we feel awake the rest of the day, often we hit an afternoon ‘slump’ where we suddenly feel lethargic and energy-less. This is when we tend to stop working and suddenly have to lie down, or when our eyes start to close over against our will. Technically while this will vary from individual to individual, the time for this to happen should be around four pm, just as four am is our tiredest point during the night (which is why sleeping 12am-8am is the perfect night’s sleep).

While this can damage productivity and actually be quiet unpleasant there are fortunately several things we can do to combat this phenomenon. The most popular method for those at work and often those at home is to have a strong cup of coffee and this is a good move as caffeine will help you to feel more alert while improving concentration and energy. If you don’t like coffee then tea or soft drinks like Coke will do the same.

An alternative to caffeine is Guarana which gives you less of a high followed by crash effect and instead gives you a steadier energy supply that will keep you going for longer without feeling twitchy and jittery.

You can also get various natural foods that will aid with your afternoon slump. Vitamin B6, which can be found in bananas, potatoes and cereal will give you a slight energy boost too. Bananas are good all-rounders generally also being a great source of complex carbs that will give you another steady supply of energy. Eat a banana at about three pm to counteract the upcoming slump.

What’s also important is not only what you eat, but when you eat. If you eat a large meal just before your slump you will be using up energy to digest your food and will feel bloated and lethargic contributing to your general tiredness. Eat little and often and earlier rather than later and you’ll feel light and energetic when that time of day comes around. If you suspect you trouble from digestive problems then try the yogurt Activia, or for more serious indigestion try gaviscon which is an effective aid to the digestive system. Alternatively a bit stimulation can help your cause, and often if you get some social banter going you will find it wakes you up. If you work in an office, now might be a chance to take a trip to the water cooler for a chin wag. If you’re at home maybe try calling a friend or partner for ten minutes.

Of course you could always embrace what your body is telling you rather than trying to fight it. Depending on the situation (this won’t work at work) you can just take the opportunity to have a ten minute power nap that will re-energise you and prepare you for the evening.

Mack LeMouse

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