Is the sleepy turkey a metabolic process or myth?
Just as guests at a Thanksgiving table tend to have strong opinions about light or dark turkey, so the investigators into what has been called tired-turkey syndrome or the turkey-nap connection have strong opinions of whether it’s the turkey or some other component of Thanksgiving dinner that often makes you crave a good nap. One party in the discussion asks Why does turkey make you sleepy? while the other wants to know Why does turkey make you sleepy? Turkey Amino Acids Both parties agree that the argument is based on the behavior of a critical amino acid that helps build certain proteins. Turkey like other meats and cheeses contains the amino acid L. tryptophan. L tryptophan is believed to have a slightly sedative effect and is known to play a role in the process of forming serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps the brain and body regulate sleep. To one group the metabolic path seems fairly straight and level: turkey, L. tryptophan, brain, serotonin then nap. Close up, others argue
