Postprandial Somnolence
I felt someone's eyes peering down at me, "why are you sleeping in my class?" He asked. I stood up, rubbed my eyes slightly and started to stutter, like I had something to say. I heard a chorus of laughter from the class and my heart sank. I have always tried to avoid public ridicule, I felt a tear trying to escape my eyes. For what felt like ages, I stood there absorbing the mockery of my life.
My name is Suzan, I'm a 200 level Biochemistry student. I used to be a strong advocate for eating a balanced diet before I became a student. Now, I'd like to say I blow bubbles, drink garri and fight crimes. I don't like to go to class hungry so I make enough soup for the week. I consume a good portion of eba most mornings and it keeps me going for the day. Well, my flat tummy does a good job hiding the portion of food I eat.
Today makes it the umpteenth time I'm sleeping in class, I sit at the back because of this but for the first time my strategy failed me. Some, think I read all night, some think I'm a sickler and I have my lanky stature to blame for it, others think I have some sort of sleeping sickness or have been bitten by a tse-tse fly. Well, I never bothered about what they all thought because I'm not the only one that sleeps in class. We are many, we are a legion! We take turns to sleep.
"Have you tried seeing a doctor", Janet asked looking worried after sympathizing with me regarding the disgrace earlier. "See the Doctor because of sleep, girl! It's simply nature", I replied. "I actually thought you'd have stopped being indifferent about sleeping in morning classes, you're only active in the afternoons. Nature chose just you to put to sleep?", Janet added sarcastically.
I felt upset, I really just wanted to copy my note and go home. My feet were numb and my hands were shivering, it's a symptom of mockeryphobia—Yes, I made my own word to define how I dread public ridicule. I practically read everyday because I don't want to be disgraced in class. I could barely lift my face, it's been so long I was laughed at.
Later that day, I started to think about what she said, "what if I have some form of sickness?", I beat the air as if to clear that silly thought. I decided to ask mum over the phone what makes me feel sleepy in the morning after eating. She asked me if I took pap or tea and of course, I took none of those. The sarcasm in me wanted to tell her, "You must think I'm some rich kid". Me, that only takes turns with eba and rice for breakfast.
After searching the internet, I decided to reduce my reading time. The only reason I could agree with was fatigue. I read for an hour and slept afterwards.
Suzan dragged me to sit with her in front, she felt the backseat was making me too relaxed. I agreed because I thought I had gotten the hack to stop sleeping—getting enough rest at night. It wasn't long before the lecturer started talking…
I know that feeling, I felt a strange wind blew across my face, my eyelids became heavy and started to fall. I shook my head and sat upright, staring right at the lecturer. This time around, the force was stronger, I felt my head tilt like it was falling down a cliff, then I jerked. No! that was it, I'd soon get another round of disgrace if I don't stop dozing off. I thought of standing up but then, the lecturer would ask me why. So I decided to step out and take a walk.
For the first time, I was a bit restless about my situation. "Is this normal?" "Do you think I'm sick?" "Why can't I stop myself from feeling sleepy?"
I don't like this feeling of not being in control, "How do I stop this?"
The last time I browsed, the answer I paid attention to was fatigue, since that obviously wasn't it. I browsed again, there was sleep disorder, anxiety, dehydration… I knew all these weren't for me. Then I saw something that caught my attention—Post prandial Somnolence.
Post prandial Somnolence is the sense of fatigue, sleepiness or decreased energy level that can occur shortly after meal. It is caused by the; type of food—high carbohydrate or protein content, size of the meal—like my large portion of eba, time of the day, etc. It's a physiological condition.
It can be prevented by; balancing meals—alternating protein and carbs, eating smaller portions more often, going for a walk after eating.
After learning this, I have successfully overcome post prandial Somnolence.
You, yes you! Tap that lady beside you dozing off. "Are you sick?"
"No sir, it's simply post prandial Somnolence"
Writer Details:Elizabeth Adaji✍️
Location:University Of jos,plateau State,Nigeria🇳🇬.
Elizabeth Adaji is a medical laboratory science student from the University of Jos, she's a story writer, copywriter, virtual assistant. She reviews resumes as well. She's passionate about impact, volunteering and public health. Her values are faith, ambition, resilence and perseverance.
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