what does turkey make you sleepy

The belief that turkey makes you sleepy is a common Thanksgiving myth. Turkey contains an amino acid called tryptophan, which can influence mood and sleep as it contributes to serotonin and melatonin production. However, it is not the main reason for post-Thanksgiving meal sleepiness. The combination of consuming a large number of carbohydrates along with tryptophan-containing foods, and overeating in general, can lead to sleepiness. Tryptophan-rich foods, in addition to a large number of carbohydrates, can contribute to the feeling of sleepiness, but turkey alone is not the sole cause. Other factors such as the time of year and overindulgence in food and alcohol also play a role in feeling sleepy after a big meal