The importance of a nap, which follows after eating (traditionally called European siesta) has been confirmed by scientists as a physiologic happening due to changes in glucose levels.
Brain cells responsible for mind and body activity in humans and as well as in animals become switched off after eating, and thus we are in need of a small nap - researchers at Manchester University finds.A tiny protein called orexins was released from the neurons, whose action is focused on the regulation of states of consciousness. But glucose seems to interfere with the mechanism of orexins release, thus affecting the body's consciousness.
The reason for being tired after a hearty meal was all on the variations in glucose levels and its effect on neurons.
Dr Denis Burdakov, the lead researcher, said: ‘It is the malfunction of the orexin neurons, which can result in the chronic neurological disorder narcolepsy, which makes sufferers to fall asleep involuntarily’.
Problems in behavioural activities like learning, reward seeking, and addiction will result from functioning disabilities of the orexin cells of neurons and it was also been linked to obesity, according to Dr Burdakov.
Scientists took neurons from brain cells of mice and treated with various concentrations of glucose as happening during daily cycles of hunger and eating.
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