Food Science: Tryptophan and Post-Thanksgiving Sleepiness

For eons upon eons (or at least the past few decades), we've blamed post-Thanksgiving drowsiness tryptophan, an amino acid found in turkey meat. Is this really fair, or should we be pointing our fingers somewhere else? Perhaps somewhere closer to our empty plates and full bellies? Read on...

Oh, tryptophan is indeed linked with drowsiness - that's no myth. It's a biochemical precursor to serotonin, which has a calming effect on the brain and body. And tryptophan is indeed found in turkey meat. It's also present in chocolate, some fruits, dairy, red meat, and eggs.

However, tryptophan is almost certainly not the cause of Turkey Day food coma. First of all, the levels of tryptophan that we ingest in even a Thanksgiving-sized portion of turkey is not all that much more than is found in what we eat on any other day. Plus, tryptophan works best on an empty stomach, not a stuffed one!

The real culprit? It's probably a combination of your body working hard to digest a large meal, the effect of alcohol, and a fervent desire to put off doing the dishes.

(Image: Flickr member withrow licensed under Creative Commons)

Comments (5)

What everyone seems to overlook when it comes to post-Thanksgiving drowsiness is the carbs, rather than the bird.

Thanksgiving dinner is, after all, a carb fest. And carb consumption leads to a blood sugar rise, followed by a blood sugar crash. And what happens when you crash? A case of the sleepies!

So please, stop blaming the bird. Blame the sweet potatoes instead!

posted by chez shoes on November 25th 2008 at 2:43pm
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it's nice to have something to blame though, when you feel like taking a nap after dinner instead of having to talk with your extended family.

posted by jumpyfroggy on November 25th 2008 at 3:46pm
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This will be my eighth Thanksgiving as a vegetarian, and I get the drowsy pass out post-meal every year! I blame the full belly, the relief after getting the big meal all put together, the warm fire and cozy atmosphere, and the wine!

I can't wait!!!

posted by Laura Zolnoski on November 25th 2008 at 4:31pm
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Post-prandial dip gets us every time.

posted by bix'mom on November 25th 2008 at 10:56pm
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maybe its just me but anytime I eat a big meal whether its Thanksgiving dinner or not I always get unbelievably sleepy afterward.

posted by witchbaby on November 26th 2008 at 1:05pm
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