Eating a big meal can make you sleepy, but is it really the turkey that is making you nap?
After dinner on Thanksgiving, you may start to notice your eyes begin to get heavy and everyone around you starts to slip into a “food coma.” This is the dreaded sleepy turkey syndrome. But is there really such a thing as sleepy turkey syndrome or is it psychological and something we made up to get out of helping mom with the dishes? Let’s take a look at some of the science behind sleepy turkey syndrome.
Sleepy Turkey Syndrome
So what could be making you sleepy after eating a lot of food? It is thought that the amino acid L- Tryptophan is the cause of our sleepy turkey syndrome. This amino acid is used to make proteins in the body, which aid in making niacin, a B vitamin, that aids in digestion, skin and nerve development, and serotonin production. Serotonin is a brain chemical that plays a large part in moods and can make you feel relaxed or have a sense of well-being. Serotonin is also used to make melatonin, a hormone that helps control your sleep and wake cycles. So, is turkey really a sleep inducer?
Does Turkey Make You Sleepy?
After years of studying, the American Dietetic Association has determined that turkey contains no more Tryptophan than any other kind of poultry. While turkey is a good source of Tryptophan, is it a myth that eating foods high in this chemical makes you sleepy.
So, What is Making You Sleepy?
Most scientists have discovered that it is not actually the amino acid that is making you sleepy, but the amount of food you actually consume on the day. Eating meals that imbalanced in carbohydrates and fats can leave you feeling sluggish or tired.
So in short, if you want to stop napping on Thanksgiving, you should consider eating less. But if you want to take a good nap, why not do so on a new mattress from All American Mattress? With a new mattress, you won’t feel guilty for sleeping!
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One of the simplest ways to turn sleep into a treasure and not a chore is to find a mattress that makes you seriously comfortable. This will not only get you excited about sleep, but it will make it easier to have a restful night. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with your local mattress and furniture experts at All American Mattress. Stop by or contact All American Mattress at 410-451-9006 today! We have all of the brand names you know and trust at affordable prices. With the areas, only commission-free sales staff, All American Mattress’ staff will help you pick out the right bed for your comfort and your budget.
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