Does Turkey Make You Sleepy? What Really Makes You Tired

Does turkey make you sleepy? Carbohydrates and high proteins may be the real culprits behind Thanksgiving sleepiness.

By Monica Cull
Nov 16, 2023 8:00 PM
turkey
(Credit: Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock)

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It happens year after year: You push back from the table, wipe the last few crumbs of pumpkin pie off your face, let out a sigh of contentment, and then you feel it: The sense of grogginess is taking over. As you try to stifle a yawn, one of your all-knowing relatives will chime in.

"That's from the turkey."

Does turkey really make you tired? While there is an amino acid in turkey that can make you feel sleepy, there are lots of other foods that can make you feel tired, too – some of which we also eat on Thanksgiving. If the scenario above sounds familiar, read on to find out what’s causing your sleepiness. 

Does Turkey Make You Sleepy?

It's long been thought that because turkey has the amino acid L-tryptophan, turkey is what makes you tired after eating your Thanksgiving meal. However, nutritionists and dietary scientists suggest otherwise. 

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