Yes, turkey makes you sleepybut it’s not the only culprit at your Thanksgiving table.
Pull out your stretchy pants and stake out a post-dinner spot on the couch.
Most of us are used to feeling sleepy after this annual feast.
Heres how tocook your turkey step-by-step.
Does turkey make you sleepy?
Tryptophan helps our bodies to makeserotonin, the feel-good hormone.
Serotonin makes us feel more relaxed and happy.
This process also releasesmelatonininto the blood.
Melatonin is a hormone that causes us to feel drowsy.
Our bodies usually release it in the evening once it starts getting dark out.
Its possible that tryptophan contributes to your sleepiness on Thanksgiving but its not the whole picture.
Other protein sources like chicken, fish and eggs contain similar amounts of tryptophan.
Whats the real reason you get drowsy on Thanksgiving?
Its not so muchwhatyou eat, buthowmuchyou eat.
What else makes you feel tired post-Thanksgiving feast?
Its likely a simple case ofovereating(weve all been there).
Consuming carbs also helps your body fall asleep faster.
Its possible that CCK also causes you to feel sleepy.
Sweet foods likepumpkin pieorpecan pie barscause ourblood sugar levels to spike, leading to a crash later.
And alcohol also contributes to our sleepiness because it acts as a depressant for the body.
Bottom line: Its natural to have heavy eyelids after a heavy holiday meal.
What are the best things to do after a large meal?
Start by arriving at your Thanksgiving gathering well-rested.
Its also helpful to have a regular exercise practice in place as physical activity can be energizing.
You dont have to give upmashed potatoesorsweet potato pie.
Just enjoy them slowly and stop when you feel full.
Drinking alcohol will always lead to feeling sleepy, so consider switching to water for your dinnertime drink.
After dinner, head outside for a group walk or touch football game.
Moving your body can help you feel more alert.
Most importantly, take time to enjoy the day and the people youre with.
Savoring a good meal with friends and family might be worth a little afternoon sleepiness.
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