Ever felt sleepy or yawning after having a high exercise dinner? Most of us love the high protein non veg treat and couldn’t resist having a full of it. But why do we feel drowsy after filling our tummy with all that cravings? Especially a turkey meal. The reason behind it is that it contains the amino acid tryptophan, which is a precursor to serotonin and melatonin. When tryptophan enters the brain, it triggers the production of serotonin, which helps to regulate our mood, and melatonin, which helps to regulate our sleep/wake cycles. Eating a large amount of turkey can cause an increase in serotonin and melatonin, which can make us sleepy. Tryptophan is found in many foods, but turkey contains the highest levels of it. This amino acid helps your body produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle and plays a role in mood regulation. When the serotonin levels in your brain increase, it can make you feel sleepy. It’s not just the tryptophan in turkey that can make you sleepy. Turkey also contains a significant amount of fat, which can slow down digestion and make you feel sluggish. Additionally, turkey is a large, high-protein food that can take a lot of energy to digest. All of these factors can leave you feeling tired after enjoying a big plate of turkey. Eating turkey also can cause you to become sleepy because of the social setting in which it’s typically served. Holidays, family gatherings, and other special occasions often involve large meals, which can be filled with socializing, laughing, and other activities. Turkey consumption has been on the rise in the United States for a number of years. The National Turkey Federation (NTF) reports that Americans ate over 16 pounds of turkey per person in 2019. This number is up from the 15.7 pounds per person in 2018. Turkey is seen as a healthy alternative to other meats. It is high in protein, low in fat and saturated fat, and is a source of essential nutrients such as iron and zinc. Additionally, it is an excellent source of the essential amino acid tryptophan, which is important for muscle growth and repair. The NTF also reports that Americans are increasingly using turkey in new ways. Ground turkey is becoming increasingly popular in burgers, tacos, and stir-fries. Additionally, turkey is becoming increasingly popular in sandwiches, salads, and soup.