Introduction
Many of us have experienced the post-Thanksgiving meal drowsiness after indulging in a feast of turkey, stuffing, and sides. While it’s easy to blame it on the excessive eating and general laziness of the day, there’s a common belief that turkey specifically is to blame. In this article, we’ll explore the science behind turkey’s supposed sleep-inducing effects and whether or not the connection is a myth or reality.
Exploring the Science Behind Tryptophan
The amino acid tryptophan is found in high amounts in turkey and is frequently cited as the culprit behind post-Thanksgiving sleepiness. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid, which means the body cannot produce it on its own and it must be obtained through diet. When consumed, tryptophan is used to produce the neurotransmitter serotonin, which helps regulate mood, appetite, and sleep. Serotonin can then be converted into melatonin, the hormone that helps regulate sleep patterns.
The Correlation Between Thanksgiving Dinner and Drowsiness
While turkey may be singled out as the source of post-meal sleepiness, the Thanksgiving dinner as a whole may play a role. Thanksgiving meals are typically heavy in carbohydrates and sugars, which can affect blood sugar and insulin levels. The combination of those celebratory foods such as stuffing, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, and rolls could contribute to post-meal fatigue. Studies have shown that the combination of these high-carb and sugar meals can lead to a “crash” that results in feelings of drowsiness.
The Role of Carbohydrates in Post-Meal Sleepiness
After consuming high-carb and sugar meals, such as Thanksgiving dinners, the blood sugar level rises sharply. There is a surge of insulin that helps get the sugar out of the bloodstream and into the cells to be used as energy. Following the insulin surge, it’s likely that the blood sugar level can drop sharply, leading to a crash. Along with the blood sugar and insulin levels, carb-heavy Thanksgiving sides can interact with turkey and contribute to drowsiness.
Other Foods that Contain Tryptophan and Their Effects
While turkey may be popularly known for its high tryptophan content, other foods contain it as well, such as chicken, pork, cheese, and nuts. However, turkey is the most well-known source of tryptophan as it contains relatively high levels of it. It’s important to note that consuming foods high in tryptophan doesn’t necessarily make us feel sleepy, but rather that tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin and melatonin, which play a role in mood and sleep regulation.
Debunking the Turkey-Sleepiness Connection
While it’s commonly believed that turkey’s tryptophan content is the main factor in post-Thanksgiving meal sleepiness, research suggests that other factors may play a role. Alcohol consumption, for example, may contribute to drowsiness after a large meal. Additionally, it may be that overeating in general, rather than turkey specifically, leads to feelings of lethargy and sleepiness.
Conclusion
While turkey may not be solely responsible for post-Thanksgiving meal drowsiness, there is some scientific basis behind the connection. Carbohydrates, sugars, and a general overindulgence could also contribute to that drowsiness. By pacing yourself, eating in moderation, and enjoying Thanksgiving dinner in a mindful way, you can mitigate the post-meal fatigue. It’s important to remember that Thanksgiving is about being thankful for what we have and sharing a special meal with our loved ones, and that feelings of drowsiness and sleepiness are a normal part of that experience.
