If you are extremely tired and eat a large meal hoping to wake up, is that a good idea?

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Big meals can make you feel sleepier, not more awake. When you eat a lot, digestion draws blood and energy toward the gut, which can momentarily reduce brain alertness. A large, carb-rich meal can cause an insulin response that changes the balance of amino acids in the blood, allowing more tryptophan to enter the brain. Tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin, which can be converted to melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep. Plus, the surge and then drop in blood sugar after a big meal can leave you tired. So hoping a big meal will wake you up usually backfires and makes you feel more tired. If you need to stay alert, lighter snacks, movement, or a short nap can help more than a heavy meal.