Mental fatigue and afternoon cognitive decline explained

Dr. Alberto Di Muria discusses the phenomenon of afternoon cognitive decline, often described by professionals as a mental fog that occurs after lunch. This drop in concentration is not necessarily physical tiredness, but rather mental exhaustion.

The brain is a highly energy-intensive organ, consuming approximately one-fifth of the body's total energy. Every decision, calculation, and interaction requires fuel. When individuals fail to provide adequate rest, sleep, or balanced breaks, the brain relies on compensation mechanisms to continue functioning, which eventually leads to decreased focus and difficulty performing tasks that were simple in the morning.