As people age, the function of nerve cells gradually declines. Older people tend to have less sleep time compared to younger people, and they are more easily awakened, thus making them prone to fatigue. It is common for older people to have a tendency to take naps or feel drowsy during the day, especially immediately after lunch. However, this practice is detrimental to the health of older people.
Experts point out that there is a certain level of risk associated with taking a nap after a meal for three types of people: those aged 65 or above, those who are 20% above the standard body weight, and those with low blood pressure or severe circulatory system disorders, especially those who frequently experience dizziness due to narrowed cerebral blood vessels. Most older people have arteriosclerosis, especially those who are obese. Hyperlipidemia can easily lead to arteriosclerosis, which in turn can cause insufficient blood supply to the brain. After a meal, blood circulation in the digestive tract is vigorous, while blood flow to the brain relatively decreases. Combined with the immobility during sleep, this can exacerbate local cerebral ischemia.
In China, there is a saying for health preservation, "Eat and then rest, it prevents all diseases." Therefore, older people should not immediately go to sleep after a meal. Instead, they can engage in light activities to promote blood circulation.
