Does Tryptophan Really Make You Sleepy?

Tryptophan In The Turkey, Does It Make You Sleepy?

We’ve all been there, finishing up that amazing Thanksgiving dinner and starting to nod off at the table. ‘It’s the tryptophan in the turkey!” shouts your Uncle from across the table. While we’ve all accepted this to be a simple truth that comes with Thanksgiving, have you ever wondered what it is exactly about tryptophan that makes you so sleepy?

 

Tryptophan is a simple amino acid that is actually found in many different foods, but is most famously found in turkey meat. It naturally produces a compound in the body known as 5-Hydroxytryptophan, or 5-HTP. This compound is a precursor to the neurotransmitter known as serotonin and the hormone melatonin. Serotonin and melatonin help to regulate mood, sleep and appetite. Low levels of serotonin and melatonin have been linked to depression, insomnia, anxiety, migraines and more.

Relaxation

By increasing the body’s levels of serotonin and melatonin, the body is put at ease, making the post-turkey subject feel happier, more at ease, satiated (or full) and, of course sleepy. It is the effect on sleep regulation that serotonin and melatonin have that really gives tryptophan its famous sleep-inducing properties.

5-HTP can also be found in supplement form, and is derived from the seeds of an African plant known as Griffonia simplicifolia, and can be found in health food and drug stores everywhere. These supplements are most often used to treat depression, though they are sometimes used to treat anxiety insomnia, fibromyalgia and migraines. You should consult your doctor about using 5-HTP supplements before use.

Now you know that when you finish that epic Thanksgiving meal this year, know that your serotonin and melatonin will soon be hard at work making you happy and sleepy, so be sure to have a nap plan in place!