Embrace that post-Thanksgiving “sleepy” feeling

I hope you were able to spend yesterday with friends, family, and maybe even a little football!

I also hope you were able to indulge in some great, home-cooked food…

And, maybe a little post-meal “nap.”

There’s surely an uncle or aunt at the table who will happily tell you that’s the tryptophan from the turkey kicking in…

But surprisingly enough, tryptophan actually has some major health benefits.

When people hear tryptophan… they automatically think about TURKEY.

But tryptophan isn’t just something in your Turkey Day leftovers.

Tryptophan is actually an amino acid found in a variety of foods that contain protein—not just turkey.

When you consume tryptophan, your body converts it into a molecule called 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan), which is used to make serotonin and melatonin—the “happy” and “sleepy” hormones, respectively.

Serotonin affects several of your vital organs, including the brain and intestines. It also plays a vital role with your sleep, cognition, and mood

Melatonin, meanwhile, is a hormone involved in your sleep-wake cycle.

So, the molecules tryptophan produces are essential to the optimal functioning of your body.

And for the record, tryptophan doesn’t make you feel drowsy at the drop of a hat. Instead, it helps regulate your body’s natural hormones that promote a proper balance of being awake and “asleep.”

And getting tryptophan in your diet doesn’t have to come just on Thanksgiving. Adopting a Paleo lifestyle—a diet based on eating healthy, lean proteins—will ensure you’re getting optimal levels.

So go ahead and fill your plates with some Thanksgiving leftover—and don’t feel bad if you need another post-meal nap.

In Your Corner,

Dr. Allan Spreen

Sources:

Tinsley, Grant. “How Tryptophan Boosts Your Sleep Quality and Mood.” https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/tryptophan