A Review Article on Afternoon Slump: An Ayurvedic Perspective

The afternoon slump is a commonly experienced decline in alertness and performance occurring typically between 13:00 and 16:00 hours. Modern physiology attributes this dip to circadian rhythm modulation, postprandial metabolic changes, and neuroendocrine fluctuations. Ayurveda conceptualizes this phenomenon primarily as a transient aggravation of Kapha dosha following meals, leading to heaviness, lethargy, and sleepiness. This review article explores the afternoon slump through both biomedical and Ayurvedic frameworks, examining the role of Kapha in diurnal rhythms, its relationship with sleep (Nidra), and the implications of daytime sleep (Divaswapna). Short- and long-term consequences of habitual afternoon sleep are discussed, along with integrative strategies for management using Ayurvedic and contemporary approaches.