Does eating turkey make you sleepy due to its tryptophan content?

The idea that eating turkey makes you sleepy is a common myth, but the reality is a bit more complicated. While it is true that turkey contains an amino acid called tryptophan that is involved in the production of serotonin, which can make you feel relaxed, it is not the only food that contains this amino acid. In fact, tryptophan is found in many other foods, such as chicken, fish, cheese, eggs, and nuts.

Additionally, even if you eat a large amount of turkey, the amount of tryptophan in it is not enough to cause you to feel sleepy. In order to make you feel sleepy, tryptophan needs to be consumed on an empty stomach and in large quantities, which is not the case when you eat a Thanksgiving meal.

So, while it is true that tryptophan is found in turkey, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that it is the reason why you feel sleepy after a Thanksgiving meal. The sleepiness is more likely due to the large amount of carbohydrates and fat that are typically consumed during such a meal.