Post-Dinner Nap Time | Why Does Turkey Make You Sleepy?
After enjoying platefuls of turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and pumpkin pie, many of us find ourselves irresistibly drawn to the nearest couch. But, why does turkey make you sleepy?
There are a few theories, with whispers of tryptophan often thrown around as the culprit. But, is turkey really the sleepy-time villain it’s made out to be? Let’s dive into the science of post-Thanksgiving drowsiness and find out what in turkey makes you sleepy.
Why Does Turkey Make You Sleepy?
At the center of this myth is tryptophan, an amino acid found in turkey and many other foods. Tryptophan is essential for our bodies. It’s a building block for proteins and plays a key role in the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, and melatonin, the hormone that controls sleep-wake cycles.
This has led many to assume that eating turkey, which contains tryptophan, floods our system with some sort of turkey sleepy chemical.
But, here's the twist: turkey doesn’t contain more tryptophan than other common foods. In fact, gram for gram, chicken, pork, and even cheddar cheese have similar or higher levels of tryptophan. If turkey were truly the drowsiness culprit, your average grilled cheese sandwich would knock you out, too.
Why Tryptophan Alone Doesn’t Put You to Sleep
For tryptophan to affect your brain and make you sleepy, it needs to cross the blood-brain barrier. But, here’s the catch: tryptophan competes with other amino acids to get through this barrier, like shoppers vying for a Black Friday deal.
In a protein-rich meal like turkey dinner, tryptophan doesn’t get a VIP pass. It’s just one of many amino acids jostling for entry, meaning its sedative effects are minimized.
The real trick to getting tryptophan to work its sleepy magic lies in combining it with carbohydrates. Eating carbs triggers the release of insulin, which helps move other amino acids out of the bloodstream and into the muscles.
This clears the path for tryptophan to enter the brain and boost serotonin and melatonin production. This sort of answers why turkey makes you sleepy. But, that buttery dinner roll, sweet potato casserole, or slice of pie… they may be doing more to make you sleepy than the turkey itself.
The Role of Overeating
Thanksgiving isn’t just about turkey; it’s about a lot of turkey – and stuffing, potatoes, cranberry sauce, and dessert. The sheer volume of food consumed during this feast is another major contributor to the post-meal slump.
Overeating diverts blood flow to the digestive system to handle the influx of food, which can leave you feeling sluggish. Your body is essentially saying, “I’m busy digesting right now. Let’s save the energy for later.”
Large meals also trigger the release of hormones like cholecystokinin (CCK), which aids in digestion but can also induce feelings of satiety and drowsiness. Combine this with the body’s natural tendency to rest after consuming a big meal, and it’s no wonder the couch looks so appealing.
The Wine and Booze Factor
If your Thanksgiving tradition includes toasting with a glass of wine or two (or three), that could also play a role in your sleepiness. Alcohol is a depressant, meaning it slows down the central nervous system.
While it can make you feel relaxed or sleepy initially, it also disrupts your sleep cycle, leading to less restful sleep later. While that glass of red wine may help you drift off into a nap after dinner, it’s not doing your overall energy levels any favors.
Circadian Rhythms and the Midday Slump
Thanksgiving dinner often happens earlier in the day than your typical evening meal – sometimes in the late afternoon. This timing coincides with a natural dip in alertness known as the post-lunch dip, which is part of your body’s circadian rhythm.
Around this time, your internal clock encourages a bit of rest, which might explain why you feel particularly ready for a snooze after indulging in a Thanksgiving feast.
The Psychological Factor: Thanksgiving Comfort
Finally, we can’t underestimate the power of comfort and tradition. Thanksgiving is a time to slow down, spend some time with loved ones, and relax.
The cozy atmosphere, full belly, and maybe even the distant sound of football on the TV create the perfect storm for drowsiness. Sometimes, the very act of expecting to feel sleepy after Thanksgiving dinner can make it happen.
How to Avoid the Food Coma
If you’d prefer to stay alert for family games or late-night shopping, there are ways to sidestep the dreaded food coma:
Pace Yourself: Instead of piling your plate sky-high, try taking smaller portions and savoring each bite. You can always go back for seconds if you’re still hungry.
Balance Your Plate: Include a mix of protein, carbs, and fiber. Vegetables like green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts can add nutrients and help with digestion.
Stay Active: A post-meal walk with friends and family can help stimulate digestion and keep your energy levels up.
Go Easy on the Booze: Limit alcohol consumption to avoid compounding your sleepiness.
Hydrate: Drinking water throughout the day can help you feel more alert and aid in your digestion.
In Defense of the Turkey Nap
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with embracing a little post-Thanksgiving rest. Our bodies are incredibly intuitive and, sometimes, they just need a break. The holidays are a time for savory delights and relaxation. And, if that means a nap after dinner, so be it! Think of it as a way to recharge before diving into the next round of festivities.
Is Turkey the Culprit?
The next time someone asks us, “Why does turkey make you sleepy?” we have an engaging conversation starter on our hands. While tryptophan plays a minor role, it’s the combination of factors – carbs, overeating, alcohol, and your body’s natural rhythm – that contribute to the post-Thanksgiving slump.
Turkey has been unfairly accused for years, but now we know the real story. The next time someone blames their drowsiness on the turkey, we can hit them with a little science – and then suggest a nap anyway. After all, isn’t that what Thanksgiving is all about?
Stick with us in the days leading up to Thanksgiving, all the way through to the Christmas season. We’re here to help you make everything merry and bright, from a post-dinner nap to a tree filled with presents for the ones you love.