The belief that turkey makes you sleepy is often attributed to the presence of tryptophan, an essential amino acid found in various foods, including turkey. Tryptophan can influence mood and sleep as it contributes to serotonin and melatonin production. However, the sleepiness experienced after a large meal, such as Thanksgiving dinner, is not solely due to tryptophan in turkey. It is also influenced by the consumption of a large number of carbohydrates, which are typically present in the other foods served during the holiday meal, such as breads, potatoes, peas, and desserts. Additionally, overeating and alcohol consumption can contribute to increased sleepiness during the holidays
. Therefore, while tryptophan may play a role in promoting relaxation, the overall diet and lifestyle factors significantly affect sleep quality.
