Large meals high in carbs and protein — not to mention the wine —also give you that must-nap-now feeling. (Here are ways to make your Thanksgiving dinner a little lighter.) In other words, yep, there’s a reason you’re feeling sleepy after your Thanksgiving dinner, but it’s more about the overall size and heaviness of your meal than the bird on your plate.
References
Engin, A, et al. (2015). Tryptophan metabolism: Implications for biological processes, health and disease. Humana Press.
Vreeman, RC, et al. (2007). Medical myths. The BMJ.
Wurtman, RJ, et al. (2003). Effects of normal meals rich in carbohydrates or proteins on plasma tryptophan and tyrosine rations. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
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Written by:
Lauren Smith, MALauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.
Reviewed by:
Mandy Armitage, MDMandy Armitage, MD, has combined clinical medicine with her passion for education and content development for many years. She served as medical director for the health technology companies HealthLoop (now Get Well) and Doximity.
