It sometimes feels like only a miracle can stop us from snoozing after a big Thanksgiving dinner. That mixture of contentment and tiredness we feel the moment we push the plate away is something many of us can relate to but it’s not a feeling many can easily resist.

But what exactly causes this? It has long been believed that the wave of sleepiness that hits us after a Thanksgiving meal is because of the turkey, but how true is this? While turkey does indeed contain an amino acid that promotes good sleep, that doesn’t make it the culprit.

As we shall find out, the reason we struggle not to fall asleep on Thanksgiving is a little more complicated than we think.

Why Is Turkey The Major Suspect In The First Place?

Many people believe turkey contains an amino acid called tryptophan, which helps put people in a good mood and make them feel sleepy. They’re not entirely wrong.

Turkey contains tryptophan, which contributes to sleep and a good mood. Credits: Unsplash

Turkey does indeed possess tryptophan, and it does produce serotonin and melatonin, which are hormones that positively influence our mood and sleep cycle. Despite this, however, the amount of tryptophan in turkey is not enough to knock us out, according to medical experts and nutritionists.

Dairy products like cheese also contain tryptophan. Credits: Unsplash

For that, we would need a higher dose, which can be provided by dairy foods like cheese, beef, pork, chicken, and soybeans. We would also need large amounts of carbohydrates, which can be found in pastries.

So What Are The Real Culprits?

The verdict has been passed: turkey might contribute to sleepiness after a meal but it’s not the major reason. Thanksgiving, in particular, is a baptism of drowsiness because of the combination of all the indulgances, as well as the rate at which we consume them.

Foods like pie, mashed potatoes, and bread, which are a major staple for the holidays, are all rich in carbs. Combine those with a high-protein food like turkey and you’re well on your way to snoozeville.

Thanksgiving delicacies like bread and pie can be major causes of drowsiness. Credits: Unsplash

A study published in the National Library of Medicine revealed why it works this way. The massive meal you’ve just consumed is rich in carbs, and as a result, this can cause a quick rise in blood sugar. This then causes a crash that makes you tired and less alert.

Apart from that, there’s also the fact that you’ve eaten a big meal and your body has to digest it. For this to happen, your body needs to spend more energy and blood in breaking down the food and less in keeping you awake.