My productivity bottoms out between 1 PM and 4PM and slowly
reconstitutes by about 6:00 PM.
 Aside from taking Provigil, how can I beat afternoon tiredness and be
more productive?

Do you imbibe any alcohol at lunch?

I never drink during lunch, and I get about six to eight hours of sleep per night.

Try taking a nap when you get sleepy.  You'll be more productive when you wake up.

You think *you* have problems -- 8pm onwards till 4 in the morning
works for me. Larks and owls. But shoving my face into a sink of cold
water helps. A brisk walk round the block too. Couple of lengths of a
swimming pool is fab for overall invigoration but my favourite is a
quick blast on my motorbike, preferably with company.

Caffeine is supposed to work but fifteen mugs a day has made me
immune. Might work for you, especially thick mud Mediterranean brew.
Good quality plain chocolate buzzes some women of my ken, yet seems to
have a settling effect too.

A heated, friendly debate with a close acquaintance gets the neurones
firing. A director said to a couple of us one day ?Why are you pair
always arguing!?? We said together, ?Eh? We?re discussing.? Worked a
treat.

Otherwise, a light salad for mid-day meal and succumb to ten minutes of zzzzzs.

Best

Hi pcventures,

Try exercising about a half an hour to an hour before your expected
low. Exercise can actually boost energy levels through its effect on
your body's systems. The improved circulation and physiological
effects of exercise could help you make it through these low times.
Many people find that exercise is more effective than a coffee break.
  
Try making some minor dietary adjustments. Eat a balanced diet that
includes breakfast and lunch and strive to include all the major food
groups. Try adding a wholesome snack about an hour or two before your
expected low. Light, healthy snacks can help maintain your energy
level throughout the day and provide you with valuable vitamins and
minerals too. A high fiber, carbohydrate rich snack is recommended to
fuel your energy needs.
  
Snack on whole wheat crackers, whole grain bars, pretzels, unbuttered
popcorn, apples, bananas, oranges, pears, and berries to help get you
through your mid-afternoon fatigue.


Hope this helps,
tlspiegel

Great ideas, all around - thanks!