Lots of Easley Sleep Problems Help from Turkey & Its Tryptophan
Do you find yourself struggling to fall asleep at night, trying anything to get that promised dream of restful sleep? If so, you are not alone. Insomnia bothers millions, leaving many looking for natural solutions to get the restorative rest they so want and desire. This Thanksgiving, you might find an unexpected friend in a classic holiday food—turkey. With its high concentrations of tryptophan, turkey offers a yummy and healthful way to support better sleep which is so important for our Easley chiropractic patients at Young Chiropractic who are healing from back pain or neck pain.
WHAT IS TRYPTOPHAN?
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that is important in the process of producing serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and sleep cycles. Serotonin is then converted into melatonin, the hormone in charge of managing your sleep-wake cycle. Eating tryptophan-rich foods like turkey can help boost these processes, making it simpler to fall off into restful sleep. Just look around the room after your Easley Thanksgiving dinner!
HOW TURKEY CAN HELP WITH INSOMNIA
Turkey is one of the most highly recognized sources of tryptophan, and thanks to its deliciously lean protein, it’s a great addition to your diet if you are looking to boost sleep quality. When combined with carbohydrates (think mashed potatoes or stuffing), tryptophan absorption is enhanced, increasing the likelihood of better relaxation and easier shifts into sleep.
Young Chiropractic found a clinical study by Abad and Guilleminault in Drugs & Aging quite good. (1) It highlights the role tryptophan plays in natural insomnia management. The research points out the ability of tryptophan-rich foods to promote better sleep patterns without relying on heavy pharmacological interventions—inspiring for anyone seeking gentle, food-based sleep remedies.
BENEFITS BEYOND SLEEP
Beyond aiding with insomnia, turkey’s tryptophan can have a greater effect on general wellness:
- Mood Regulation: Serotonin derived from tryptophan isn’t just for sleep—it’s also a natural mood stabilizer, allowing your holidays to be a little brighter.
- Reduced Stress: A balanced serotonin-melatonin cycle leads to lower stress levels, generating a calm mental state that supports physical health.
- Nutrition Boost: Turkey is not just about tryptophan! It’s also packed with lean protein, essential nutrients like selenium, and a bunch of B vitamins.
SUPPORT YOUR SLEEP THIS THANKSGIVING
This holiday season, why not enjoy your Thanksgiving turkey with a side of gratitude for the sleep-enhancing benefits it offers? Pair it with other healthy, tryptophan-friendly foods like bananas or milk—studies, such as one in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, suggest these can also support sleep. (2) Cheers to delicious meals, science-backed solutions, and a season of restful nights!
CONTACT Young Chiropractic
Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. Chris DeVeau, on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he describes the difficulty an arm pain patient had sleeping and how he fostered relief with The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management.
