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.

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

By Coco Ballantyne. Let us give thanks on Thanksgiving for its cornucopia of foods: mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, creamed corn, cranberry sauce and, of course, turkey, among other delights. Every fourth Thursday of November, friends and family in the U. Those early revelers were probably knocked out by their marathon feast, and most people today are familiar with the post-Thanksgiving food coma. But often the blame falls on the bird. Turkey allegedly causes drowsiness because it is packed with a nutrient called tryptophan. Tryptophan is one of 20 naturally occurring amino acids—the building blocks of proteins. Because the body is unable to manufacture tryptophan on its own, it must be obtained from food protein. Turkey is a great source of this essential acid, but it is not unique: many meats and other protein products pack comparable amounts. If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today. Tryptophan is used by the human body to make serotonin, a neurotransmitter. It has a somnolent effect on fruit flies, whose sleep is most likely equivalent to our slow-wave non-REM sleep, says neuroscientist Amita Sehgal of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Philadelphia.

Mobile Newsletter chat close. Here's what we found out—and how you might be able to prevent drowsiness after a big meal. Freestanding Emergency Department.

If you feel like you need to take a nap after eating a Thanksgiving meal, it might not just be the turkey that's to blame. Cat Lafuente is an editor who lives in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. 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. 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. Why do we feel tired after our turkey-centered Thanksgiving dinner? You've probably heard that the main dish itself is to blame. But why exactly does turkey make you sleepy?

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 real reason: overindulgence. According to Mady Hornig , associate professor of epidemiology, a big meal taxes digestion, making us sleepy, especially after a glass or two of wine. Yet there is a kernel of truth to the tryptophan myth: the amino acid is an essential ingredient in neurochemicals that manage our mood and sleep cycle. Starting as a forkful of turkey or any other protein source, the amino acid emerges a few hours later in the small intestine where it is absorbed into the bloodstream. From there, it hitches a ride in the body on shuttle protein called albumin. Next stop is the brain, but getting inside means crossing the blood-brain barrier. Once inside, enzymes go to work transforming tryptophan into serotonin, the neurotransmitter best known for regulating mood and sex drive. It also plays an important role in digestion; 95 percent of the serotonin found in our bodies, along with the receptors for serotonin, are in the gut.

Drug in turkey that makes you sleepy

Does turkey's tryptophan dose cause drowsiness? Not likely. Thanksgiving feasters take heart. Contrary to popular belief, turkey's tryptophan dose doesn't cause drowsiness. In fact, the substance could possibly aid in the treatment of depression and multiple sclerosis. Purified tryptophan is a mild sleep-inducing agent.

Sauna the cube urban

Wellness Nutrition. Edible Innovations. Turkey and other protein-rich foods contain many amino acids, and tryptophan is the scarcest among them, Wurtman says. 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. 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. So does turkey make you sleepy , or is it something else? Use limited data to select content. You may accept or manage your choices by clicking below, including your right to object where legitimate interest is used, or at any time in the privacy policy page. It's a myth," Dr. It's probably a combination of overeating, alcohol and the earlier darkness at this time of year. We avoid using tertiary references. By Grant Tinsley, Ph. How we reviewed this article: Sources.

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.

So if these foods are also part of your Thanksgiving spread, they might be adding to your drowsiness. Even though eating turkey seems to make you sleepy, it turns out that turkey doesn't actually contain a lot of tryptophan. Tryptophan is a naturally occurring amino acid found in many foods. Think about all the other holiday staples, like mashed potatoes, stuffing, pie… the mouthwatering list goes on! It waits in line to get through the blood-brain barrier and very little of it makes it across. November 21, 4 min read. They also advise skipping turkey skin, butter and gravy. 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. Sources A. Credit: Joseph Gaul Getty Images.