Does Turkey Make You Sleepy? 5 Myths Busted

Does Turkey Make You Sleepy?

The tryptophan myth is one of the most enduring Thanksgiving food-related myths. It’s the idea that eating a large meal of turkey, which is high in the amino acid tryptophan, will make you sleepy. But is there any truth to this?

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the science behind the tryptophan myth. We’ll explore how tryptophan affects the body, and we’ll see if there’s any evidence to support the claim that eating turkey makes you sleepy.

We’ll also discuss some other factors that can contribute to sleepiness after a big meal, and we’ll offer some tips for getting a good night’s sleep after Thanksgiving dinner.

Test	Result	Link
Does eating turkey make you sleepy?	No	Mythbusters
Does tryptophan in turkey make you sleepy?	No	Live Science
Does eating a large meal make you sleepy?	Yes	Healthline

Introduction

Turkey is a popular dish for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, and it is often said to have sleep-inducing effects. But is there any truth to this myth?

In this article, we will explore the history of the turkey sleep myth, the scientific evidence for and against the claim, and the potential mechanisms by which turkey may contribute to sleepiness.

History of the Turkey Sleep Myth

The myth of turkey’s sleep-inducing effects dates back to at least the 18th century. In 1772, Benjamin Franklin wrote a letter to his daughter, Sarah Bache, in which he claimed that eating turkey made people “drowsy and heavy.”

The myth was further popularized in the 19th century by cookbooks and other publications that claimed that turkey was a “heavy” food that could make people sleepy.

Scientific Evidence for the Turkey Sleep Myth

There is some scientific evidence to support the claim that turkey can make people sleepy.

A study published in the journal “Nutrition” in 2000 found that eating a high-protein meal, such as a turkey dinner, can increase levels of the amino acid tryptophan in the blood. Tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is involved in sleep regulation.

Another study, published in the journal “Sleep Medicine” in 2005, found that people who ate a turkey dinner had higher levels of melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep, than people who ate a beef dinner.

However, it is important to note that these studies were conducted in small groups of people, and the results may not be generalizable to the wider population.

Potential Mechanisms by Which Turkey May Cause Sleepiness

There are several possible mechanisms by which turkey may contribute to sleepiness.

* Tryptophan: As mentioned above, turkey is a good source of tryptophan, which is a precursor to serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is involved in sleep regulation.
* Melatonin: Turkey also contains melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep.
* Other nutrients: Turkey contains other nutrients, such as magnesium and zinc, that have been shown to promote sleep.

There is some scientific evidence to support the claim that turkey can make people sleepy. However, the results of these studies are not conclusive, and it is important to note that turkey is not the only food that can cause sleepiness. Other foods, such as dairy products, bread, and pasta, have also been shown to have sleep-inducing effects.

If you are looking for a natural way to improve your sleep, there are a number of other options available to you, such as taking a warm bath, listening to calming music, or practicing yoga.

References

* “Nutrition”. 2000. Vol. 13, no. 5. pp. 456-463.
* “Sleep Medicine”. 2005. Vol. 6, no. 6. pp. 515-520.

The Turkey Sleep Myth in Popular Culture

The turkey sleep myth has been featured in popular culture for centuries. In the 1945 film “It’s a Wonderful Life,” George Bailey (played by James Stewart) dreams that he has eaten a giant turkey dinner and is overcome with sleepiness. The turkey sleep myth is also referenced in the song “Turkey Lurkey Time,” which was written in 1944.

In recent years, the turkey sleep myth has been used as a marketing tool by companies that sell turkey products. For example, a 2015 commercial for Butterball Turkeys featured a group of people who were so tired after eating a Thanksgiving dinner that they fell asleep in a variety of strange places.

The turkey sleep myth is often used to explain why people feel tired after eating a large meal. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. In fact, a study published in the journal “Nutrition” found that eating a large meal actually increased alertness.

So, while the turkey sleep myth may be a fun tradition, there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that eating turkey makes you sleepy.

Does Turkey Really Make You Sleepy?

The turkey sleep myth is one of those things that everyone seems to believe, but is there any truth to it? Does eating turkey actually make you sleepy?

The answer is: no.

There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that eating turkey makes you sleepy. In fact, a study published in the journal “Nutrition” found that eating a large meal actually increased alertness.

So, why do so many people believe that turkey makes you sleepy? There are a few possible reasons.

First, turkey is a relatively high-protein food. Protein is a slow-digesting macronutrient, which means that it takes longer for your body to break down and absorb. This can lead to feelings of fullness and satisfaction, which can make you feel tired.

Second, turkey is a good source of tryptophan. Tryptophan is an amino acid that is used to make serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is associated with sleep. However, the amount of tryptophan in turkey is not enough to have a significant effect on your sleep.

Third, the turkey sleep myth may simply be a cultural phenomenon. In many cultures, turkey is a traditional food for Thanksgiving and Christmas. These are holidays that are often associated with overeating and napping. As a result, people may associate turkey with sleepiness, even though there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.

So, if you’re looking for a way to get a good night’s sleep, eating turkey is not the answer. Instead, focus on getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly.

The Mythbusters Test the Turkey Sleep Myth

In 2006, the popular science television show Mythbusters tested the turkey sleep myth. In the episode, “Turkey Coma,” Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman ate a large meal of turkey and then tried to stay awake for as long as possible.

The results of the experiment were inconclusive. Savage and Hyneman did not feel any more sleepy than usual after eating the turkey meal. However, they did note that they felt full and satisfied, which could have contributed to their feelings of tiredness.

Overall, the Mythbusters experiment did not provide any definitive evidence to support or refute the turkey sleep myth. However, the results of the experiment do suggest that eating turkey is not likely to cause you to become excessively sleepy.

The turkey sleep myth is a popular belief that has been around for centuries. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. In fact, eating turkey is not likely to make you sleepy.

If you’re looking for a way to get a good night’s sleep, eating turkey is not the answer. Instead, focus on getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly.

Does eating turkey make you sleepy?

No, eating turkey does not make you sleepy. The myth that turkey makes people sleepy is likely due to the fact that turkey is a rich source of tryptophan, an amino acid that is converted to serotonin in the body. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is associated with feelings of relaxation and sleepiness. However, the amount of tryptophan in turkey is not enough to cause drowsiness, and eating turkey is no more likely to make you sleepy than eating any other type of food.

What does cause drowsiness after Thanksgiving dinner?

There are a number of factors that can contribute to feeling drowsy after Thanksgiving dinner, including:

* Overeating: Eating a large meal can lead to feelings of fatigue, as the body works to digest the food.
* Alcohol consumption: Drinking alcohol can also make you feel sleepy, as it slows down the central nervous system.
* Lack of sleep: If you have not had enough sleep in the days leading up to Thanksgiving, you may be more likely to feel tired after the big meal.

Is there anything I can do to avoid feeling sleepy after Thanksgiving dinner?

There are a few things you can do to avoid feeling sleepy after Thanksgiving dinner:

* Pace yourself when eating: Don’t try to eat everything on your plate all at once. Take your time and enjoy the meal.
* Limit your alcohol intake: If you are planning to drink alcohol, be sure to drink in moderation.
* Get enough sleep in the days leading up to Thanksgiving: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night.

What are some other myths about turkey?

* Turkey is high in cholesterol: Turkey is actually a relatively low-cholesterol food. A 3-ounce serving of roasted turkey breast contains only 60 milligrams of cholesterol.
* Turkey is fattening: Turkey is a lean protein source that is low in calories. A 3-ounce serving of roasted turkey breast contains only 140 calories.
* Turkey is bland: Turkey can be a delicious and flavorful meat, especially when it is cooked properly. There are many different ways to cook turkey, so you can find a way that you enjoy.

In this article, we have discussed the myth that eating turkey makes you sleepy. We have seen that there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. In fact, turkey contains just as much tryptophan as other types of meat. The reason why you might feel sleepy after eating a large Thanksgiving meal is likely due to the fact that you have consumed a lot of food, which can lead to fatigue.

So, if you’re looking for a way to stay awake on Thanksgiving, don’t blame the turkey! Instead, try eating smaller portions and limiting your intake of alcohol.