Beyond the Turkey Coma: Science Debunks Thanksgiving Sleepiness Myth

Each Thanksgiving, the widespread belief that turkey’s tryptophan causes post-meal drowsiness resurfaces. However, a recent analysis in The Atlantic Science challenges this enduring myth. According to emerging scientific perspectives, the tryptophan content in turkey is not significantly higher than in many other common foods, making it an unlikely sole culprit for sleepiness.

The article suggests that the real drivers of that post-feast slumber are likely a combination of factors. These include the large intake of carbohydrates and alcohol, coupled with the relaxed, social atmosphere inherent to the holiday. This suggests that the ‘turkey coma’ is more a product of cultural expectation and environmental cues than a direct biochemical effect of the bird itself.

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