In a food coma after too much holiday fressing?
This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science.
Researchers at the University of Manchester, lead by Dennis Burdakov, can explain.
When we’re hungry, we have low levels of glucose in our bloodstream and brain. That activates tiny proteins in the brain called orexins, which promote wakefulness. It’s hard to sleep because we’re on the lookout for food, alert on the prowl.
After we’ve eaten, glucose levels are high. Neurons that make orexin have pores in their surface that glucose uses to signal to shut it down. When there’s lots of glucose, orexin levels crash and so do you.
That’s the explanation for all of those post holiday meal naps. It’s just neuroscience!
However, thise ugly Christmas sweaters? No words!