About Careers MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

Here’s Why Thanksgiving Makes You Sleepy

by Shirley Johanna on November 24, 2016 at 11:21 PM
Font : A-A+

Here’s Why Thanksgiving Makes You Sleepy

The holiday season in the US begins with Thanksgiving. Turkey is the most common main dish of a Thanksgiving dinner. Indulging in turkey and napping is a holiday tradition for many following the big meal.

Turkey is often blamed for making people tired. Turkey contains an amino acid called tryptophan, which is linked to sleep. But some other dishes on the Thanksgiving menu could also be blamed.

Advertisement


Dietitian Liz DeJulius says, "It's the combination of, sure a little bit of tryptophan, with the high amount of foods that we're eating and especially the excessive amount of carbohydrates."

Mashed potatoes, turkey stuffing, and other carbohydrates trigger the release of insulin, which allows more tryptophan to enter the brain and ultimately melatonin, which brings sleepiness. The third component linked to sleep after Thanksgiving dinner is alcohol.
Advertisement

DeJulius has one solution, "Small frequent snacks throughout the day so that you're 'A' not eating as much, but also just getting a better regulation of your blood sugar for that day."

Post-meal crash can be avoided by eating fewer carbohydrates, including more vegetables, and eating turkey with the gravy, which is a great source of low-fat protein.

Tryptophan is not just in turkey, it's in many protein sources, including yogurt, fish, and eggs.

Source: Medindia
Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Reading

Latest Diet & Nutrition News

Posting Eye-catching Healthy Food Images on Social Media may Gain More Attention
For people posting food images on social media platform like Instagram, adding warm tones like red, yellow and orange can make healthy food images more eye-catching on social media
Artificial Intelligence can Help Long-term Care Homes Provide Healthier Diets: Here's How
How to meet dietary needs in long-term care homes? Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help you.
Daily Intake of Plant Food Sources can Keep Chronic Diseases at Bay
Adding plant food sources to your diet and avoiding too much alcohol, salt, or sodium consumption can save you from chronic diseases.
Peanuts are Good for Your Vascular Health: Here's How
Eating peanuts and peanut butter rich in polyphenols can improve vascular health in youngsters and healthy people.
Eating a Rainbow can Make You Slim and Trim: Here's How
Let's eat a rainbow for healthy weight loss: Adding colors to your plate by including bright colored fruits and vegetables can help you lose weight in a healthy way.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
×

Here’s Why Thanksgiving Makes You Sleepy Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests