Turkey itself is not uniquely sleep‑inducing; the drowsy feeling is mostly from the size and composition of the meal, not the bird.
Tryptophan and turkey
Turkey contains the amino acid tryptophan, which the body can use to make serotonin and melatonin, chemicals involved in sleep regulation. However, turkey does not contain significantly more tryptophan than many other meats or protein‑rich foods, and the amount eaten in a normal serving is not enough by itself to sedate you.
Big meals and “food coma”
What really makes people sleepy is usually eating a large, heavy meal, especially one rich in carbohydrates and sugar. Digesting that big meal diverts blood flow to the digestive system and triggers hormonal changes (like insulin release) that can leave you feeling sluggish and ready for a nap.
