Why Does Turkey Make You Sleepy?

Why Does Turkey Make You Sleepy?

Many people believe that eating just turkey makes them sleepy.  They feel that all of the delicious turkey consumed at Thanksgiving triggers the oft-experienced post Thanksgiving meal nap in front of a football game in a comfy chair or couch.

That is not the entire story.  Like football, there is a competition underway.  Turkey does indeed contain tryptophan.  Tryptophan is a component of the brain chemical serotonin.  This serotonin can get converted into melatonin – a well known and established sleep inducing hormone.  But, this is not the entire story.

The real reason why one might feel very sleepy after Thanksgiving meals is because of all of the carbohydrates consumed.  The potatoes, stuffing, and sugar and other carbs consumed trigger the release of insulin’ kind of like when you eat pancakes with strawberries and a Twix Bar.  Insulin removes most amino acids from the blood.  Insulin however does not remove tryptophan.

The carbs are blocking much like payers do in football, and when the insulin clears the playing field the tryptophan is indeed allowed to run in for a touchdown and ultimately help melatonin do its magic.  Maybe you will see some touchdowns watching Thanksgiving when the Dallas Cowboys football team is on TV.  

 

Nature Facts:  https://www.interestingfacts.org/category/nature-facts

World Facts:  https://www.interestingfacts.org/category/world-facts

Science Facts:  https://www.interestingfacts.org/category/science-facts

Definitions: https://www.interestingfacts.org/category/definition

Planets:  https://www.interestingfacts.org/category/facts-about-planets

Nutrition Facts:  https://www.interestingfacts.org/category/nutrition-facts

Quotes:  https://www.interestingfacts.org/category/quotes

Information:  https://www.google.com

Things To Do:  https://www.seatsforeveryone.com/blog

Sitemap:  https://www.interestingfacts.org/sitemap.xml  

InterestingFacts.org

Recent Posts

Ecofriendly Custom Bags: Why Your Business Should Embrace This Trend

Sustainability isn't just a fad. It's a powerful movement that changes how businesses interact with…

2 hours ago

10 Signs It Might Be Time to Consider Home Health Care Support

Most people find it difficult to contemplate selecting care options for a family member. Perhaps…

20 hours ago

How To Help Your Dog After an Amputation Surgery

Does your beloved pet need an amputation surgery? From healing advice to mobility solutions, help…

2 days ago

Best Camping Sites in Canada to Enjoy Winter Views

Canada's winter landscape is a breathtaking sight, with snow-capped mountains, frozen lakes, and serene forests.…

2 days ago

5 Aspects of Your Wedding Worth Spending On

Narrow down the five most important aspects of your wedding that deserve the investment. Celebrate…

5 days ago

How Proactive IT Services Drive Business Growth and Efficiency

In a technology-driven age, managing IT infrastructure effectively is critical for businesses aiming to stay…

6 days ago