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.

Once a year the Thanksgiving holiday is time spent with family and eating a large meal. After stuffing yourself much like a turkey at the center of this holiday, you notice yourself feeling extra sleepy. Most people have heard at some point in their lives this fatigue is due to the turkey containing tryptophan, a chemical that can make you tired. So is your mealtime bird to blame for your sleepiness? After a little research we found some answers to this popular holiday question.

Drug in turkey that makes you sleepy

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. Specifically, tryptophan is involved in the production of serotonin a hormone that helps regulate mood and melatonin a hormone that helps regulate your sleep cycle , according to a review of studies on how tryptophan affects the body. Adults who take tryptophan supplements take doses of 5 grams before bed to help improve sleep. By comparison, two servings of turkey contain about milligrams of tryptophan — close to the daily requirement of this important nutrient. Other good sources include:. The truth is, tryptophan-rich turkey is just one of many contributors to celebration snoozes. Think about all the other holiday staples, like mashed potatoes, stuffing, pie… the mouthwatering list goes on! 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. A big meal of any kind can also cause a change in circulation that affects your energy and focus. 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. Melatonin, the sleep hormone, is geared to start making you sleepy when the day turns dark.

Source: webmd.

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. So you might think that if you eat a lot of turkey meat, your body would produce more melatonin and serotonin, and you would feel tired and want a nap.

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.

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?

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It happens to plenty of people: You eat your Thanksgiving meal, replete with a big pile of juicy turkey , and shortly thereafter you're lying on the couch ready for a nap. By Grant Tinsley, Ph. The body also uses tryptophan to make melatonin, which helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle, according to the National Library of Medicine. There is another reason turkey has been accused of causing drowsiness: Tryptophan is also a precursor to melatonin, a sleep-associated hormone manufactured in the brain's pineal gland. And if you're feeling sleepy, there's nothing wrong with taking a post-Thanksgiving dinner nap! So, don't blame the turkey for your after-Thanksgiving lethargy! Freestanding Emergency Department. Exercising regularly, eating nourishing foods, and reducing your consumption of sugar and alcohol are just some of the recommendations for maintaining…. Contents What Is Tryptophan? So is the fact that eating foods high in tryptophan boost brain levels of tryptophan, therefore boosting brain levels of serotonin. Why do we feel tired after our turkey-centered Thanksgiving dinner? Medical Encyclopedia. Specifically, tryptophan is involved in the production of serotonin a hormone that helps regulate mood and melatonin a hormone that helps regulate your sleep cycle , according to a review of studies on how tryptophan affects the body. Mobile Newsletter chat dots. Can that cold-cut turkey be the cause of your post-lunch snooze at work?

Does eating Thanksgiving turkey make you sleepy due to its tryptophan content? Though the turkey myth has been debunked, as turkey contains no more tryptophan than any other common food or meat, there are other aspects of this myth that are worth exploring. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid, meaning the body cannot produce it.

The best solution to stay more alert is to moderate your meal. Mobile Newsletter chat avatar. Get the facts on how and why your…. Here's what we found out—and how you might be able to prevent drowsiness after a big meal. 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. 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. Sources A. 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. By Grant Tinsley, Ph. Food and Drug Administration banned tryptophan supplements in because of an outbreak of eosinophilia-myalgia, a syndrome that causes muscle pain and even death. Share this —. Cardiologists suggest making plant-based side dishes as the main dish instead of eating a huge portion of turkey. To get into the brain they must be shuttled across the blood—brain barrier by specialized transport proteins. Cat Lafuente is an editor who lives in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. Use profiles to select personalised content.