The substance people usually talk about is an amino acid called tryptophan.
What tryptophan does
- Tryptophan is used by your body to make serotonin and melatonin, chemicals that help regulate mood and sleep.
- Turkey does contain tryptophan, but not in unusually high amounts compared with other meats and protein-rich foods.
Why you feel sleepy after turkey
- The drowsy “food coma” after a big turkey meal is mostly from eating a large, heavy meal, especially lots of carbohydrates like potatoes, stuffing, and dessert.
- Alcohol, being very full, and relaxing after the meal all add to the sleepy feeling more than the small amount of tryptophan in the turkey itself.
