Never drunk coffee but feel very sleepy and tired between 2pm and 6pm, any alternatives?

[HavanaLove]

Never drunk coffee but feel very sleepy and tired between 2pm and 6pm, any alternatives?

I've never drunk coffee but every one of my colleagues except me drinks it all day every day so they're all very productive and energetic whilst I can't keep my eyes open but I find it hard to go to sleep at night so don't want to be drinking coffee during the day (especially as I'd need it in the afternoon. I'm wide awake and alert between 8am and 11am).

Any alternatives? Sucks when everyone else is caffeinated and super alert

Just drink a cup of coffee?

I find it I eat a lunch that's heavy on carbs I get really tired in the afternoons, something to do with your blood sugars rising then falling. I eat a light lunch that has a lot of protein and fat instead which really helps, also, eating nuts if I need a mid afternoon snack rather than reaching for sweets or biscuits if I need an energy boost.

Fruit juice?

Yep sounds like sugar crash, what's your diet like?

Go for a brisk walk outside round the office. That’ll soon wake you up. It’s feckin Baltic out there.

Fresh air is as good a livener as caffeine. I drink lots and lots of coffee and tea though, so I think I don't feel the benefits as much as you would. Try a cup after lunch, it's not going to affect your sleep.

Iced coffee? Can of Diet Pepsi? Sugar in your tea? Splash face in cold water/go for a walk?

In the afternoons I found some benefit taking Co-Enzyme Q10. It's an anti-oxidant that helps the mitochondria cells release energy. It's not that expensive either. Bit of a secret weapon really, not sure why it's not more widely known.

I drink coffee ( no tea ) but it has no effect on me , I drink one / two or at a push maybe three cups a day.
From what's workmates and friends and said a cup of coffee maker give you the perk that you're looking for but the crash afterwards really is is not worth it I second PPS ideas to look at your diet is it a sugar crash or or after eating a heavy lunch does that then make you feel dozy

What are you eating at lunch?

When I do eat lunch I get that crash depending on what I eat.

I drink water. It can simply be that.
Or I will have a healthy snack.
Even a quick walk around.

All help, sometimes alone other times it's a combo.

Would love to drink the coffee though. Had to reduce due to health reasons and alternatives had to be found. Was so much easier lol.

I agree it’s probably a sugar crash from eating too many carbs. What do you have for breakfast and lunch ?

I get that if I have a particularly carb heavy lunch or have overdone it on the office biscuits. I’d go for a protein rich lunch, a walk outside in the fresh air and maybe a Coke if you need a pick me up.

Before taking supplements check that you can.
PP mentioned CoQ10, there are lots of health conditions it is strongly advised you don't. It can also interact with some medication.

It's something that you might already be getting enough of already or just need a little dietary tweak.

I think it’s worth mentioning to your GP. I got like this when my iron levels were low. Withn 3 weeks of starting on the tablets I have loads more energy!

Start drinking coffee. Drink more water.

I definitely find when I'm not eating as many carbs I have much more energy in the afternoons.

Thanks everyone so far..

I usually eat porridge for breakfast and a "chunky soup + meat (e.g. chicken/turkey, nuggets, etc." for lunch, with some walnuts.

Drinking coffee as early as that is unlikely to keep you awake at night. Just have a coffee

I used to have a sandwich and fruit, or reheated leftovers, for lunch, and often got a post lunch slump. Now I have carb-free salad and fruit and never get that.

Could you see your GP for blood tests and make sure you're not anaemic or lacking in vitamins first?

If everything comes back clear, then maybe think about your diet and exercise levels - a walk in the fresh air or a nice cold drink could help.

Could it partly be your natural circadian rhythm? I know that I have a 'slump' between around 2 and 4 but will then naturally perk up again. I shrug it off as I think it's just my body doing its thing.