Many people blame the tryptophan for getting sleepy after eating a holiday meal, but actually the story is a lot more complex than that. In fact, food is only partly to blame, and there are a variety of other contributing factors.
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If you're like me, another crucial member of your Thanksgiving plate is stuffing and,of course, pumpkin pie. These carbohydrates cause a release of the hormone, insulin. You've probably heard of insulin in association with diabetes because it helps absorb sugar into the tissues of the body.
But, insulin also blocks most amino acids from getting to your brain by allowing the tissues to swallow most of them up. Most meaning all except, you guessed it, tryptophan. With more amino acids in the tissues, that means fewer partiers competing for Ubers to the brain, so tryptophan gets a front seat. Tryptophan slides right past those insulin receptors and into your brain, making you physically sleepy.
As you can see, there are several factors that go into this, but most likely, it's the combination of tryptophan and carbs that gives you drooping eyelids. Plus, alcohol is a thing on Thanksgiving, and overeating, and a lack of sleep because of family stress…the list could go on and on.
In terms of overeating and exhaustion, your body uses a lot more energy for digestion when you overeat, causing you to feel tired (I see the second slice of Grandma's pumpkin pie on your plate).
Wow!
We certainly had no idea that post-meal sleepiness was so complicated! However, we're incredibly relieved to learn that we can indulge in as much turkey as we want without feeling guilty about it. Besides, what's the harm in a little nap after dinner, right?
Happy Feasting!
Article Source: Spoon University
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