Drug in turkey that makes you sleepy

By Coco Ballantyne.

But is there anything to the turkey-tryptophan-tired idea, or is it a Thanksgiving-themed myth to justify avoiding the post-meal cleanup? The science of sleepiness after a Thanksgiving meal is a little more complicated. In addition to the effect that consuming a lot of carbs and calories in a short time has on your body, the time of year plays a role in your holiday sleep cycle, too. First things first: Yes, turkey does contain tryptophan , which does promote good sleep and a good mood, according to research published in Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews. Tryptophan is one of several essential amino acids, which are considered the building blocks of proteins in animals and plants.

Drug in turkey that makes you sleepy

Tryptophan in turkey has become almost as famous as the bird's white and dark meat. So has the legend of its power to make people sleepy. But does Thanksgiving turkey actually induce drowsiness? It's a myth," Dr. Trytophan is one of the amino acids , which the body uses to make proteins to help it grow and repair tissue, according to the National Library of Medicine. Turkey is a good source, but so is cheese, chicken, fish, milk, peanuts, egg whites and soy beans. Tryptophan can also be found in sunflower, pumpkin and sesame seeds. The body also uses tryptophan to make melatonin, which helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle, according to the National Library of Medicine. That releases insulin, which lowers the levels of other amino acids, so tryptophan has a chance to get in to the brain without competition. Many people do get very drowsy after consuming a huge Thanksgiving meal. The average dinner can contain 3, calories, according to the Calorie Control Council. Add the stress of hosting or attending a Thanksgiving dinner, the lack of sleep during the journey to get there , free-flowing alcohol and all the sitting around in front of the TV afterward, and you have the perfect formula for dozing off. The best solution to stay more alert is to moderate your meal. Cardiologists suggest making plant-based side dishes as the main dish instead of eating a huge portion of turkey.

When more blood is needed in the stomach to digest turkey, gravy, and the rest of dinner, less blood is available in the brain to keep you awake. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

So many of us just want to nap on Thanksgiving, and some say turkey may be to blame. So does turkey make you sleepy , or is it something else? Turkey has the makings of a natural sedative, an amino acid called tryptophan. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid the body uses produce to produce melatonin, serotonin and the B vitamin niacin. Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate your sleep cycle, and serotonin is a neurotransmitter that also plays a crucial role in sleep.

The idea that eating turkey makes you sleepy because of the tryptophan it contains is a common myth. And if you regularly battle to keep your eyes open after your Thanksgiving feast every year, you may fully believe in its powers. But there are some other components of your meal that may be lending a helping hand. Tryptophan is an amino acid that helps create a chemical called serotonin in your brain, which is important for good sleep. But here's the thing: turkey doesn't have more tryptophan than other meats like chicken and beef. In fact, some foods like nuts and cheeses have even more tryptophan than turkey does.

Drug in turkey that makes you sleepy

There might be more than a few myths surrounding Thanksgiving. For instance, was the first Thanksgiving really a harmonious gathering between pilgrims and native Americans that took place under the shadow of November foliage? The answer is foggy. But the mythos doesn't die with our bungled conception of history, because there's one Thanksgiving controversy that's managed to roil and fester to this day, and it starts at your dinner table: tryptophan. As legend has it, turkey contains an excess amount of tryptophan, an amino acid that makes you sleepy. So, when you see a slow tide of lethargy washing over everyone at your Thanksgiving party, the nasty T-word might come to the fore. But it turns out your uncle's food-borne coma isn't brought on by some nefarious chemical harbored by America's turkey population. It's true that tryptophan is the precursor to serotonin, which has a strong effect on many bodily functions, chief among which is healthy sleep.

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Related Articles. Source: webmd. But if you want to stay alert, focus on eating and drinking a little less this year — and on maintaining healthy habits during the other days of the year. Cat Lafuente. What Is Tryptophan? Let's look at benefits, limitations, and more. Turkey has the makings of a natural sedative, an amino acid called tryptophan. But is there anything to the turkey-tryptophan-tired idea, or is it a Thanksgiving-themed myth to justify avoiding the post-meal cleanup? Therefore your diet must supply it. Previously, Cat worked as a book editor for a reference publisher, after she obtained her master's degree in religion from the University of South Florida.

Skip to content. Not long after you finish your second, generous helping of turkey, sweet potatoes, and all the fixings, a pleasant but insistent torpor will take hold this Thanksgiving.

The same is true for all those carbs and refined sugars typically eaten at the Thanksgiving meal, which Dr. Stick to one or two drinks, or avoid alcohol altogether. Consuming such high carb foods can cause a quick rise in your blood sugar, which in turn can bring on a crash that features fatigue and reduced alertness within the first hour after ingestion, according to a study. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today. Vancouver-based nutritionist Megan Wong, RD , gives the specifics on nuts. Was this page helpful? By Coco Ballantyne. One pound 0. Thanksgiving feasts are often washed down with bubbling champagne, beer, wine or other spirits. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.