Lots of McHenry Sleep Problems Help from Turkey & Its Tryptophan
Do you find yourself tossing and turning at night, chasing the promised dream of restful sleep? If so, you’re not alone. Insomnia bothers millions, leaving many searching for natural solutions to get the restorative rest they need. This Thanksgiving, you might find an unexpected ally in an iconic holiday food—turkey. With its high concentrations of tryptophan, turkey offers a yummy and healthful way to boost better sleep which is so important for our McHenry chiropractic patients at OrthoIllinois Chiropractic who are healing from back pain or neck pain.
WHAT IS TRYPTOPHAN?
Tryptophan is a vital amino acid that plays a key role in producing serotonin, a neurotransmitter that assists in regulating mood and sleep cycles. Serotonin is then changed into melatonin, the hormone responsible for managing your sleep-wake cycle. Consuming tryptophan-rich foods like turkey can help boost these processes, making it easier to fall off into restful sleep. Just look around the room after your McHenry Thanksgiving dinner!
HOW TURKEY CAN HELP WITH INSOMNIA
Turkey is one of the most well-known sources of tryptophan, and thanks to its deliciously lean protein, it’s a terrific addition to your diet if you’re looking to boost sleep quality. When combined with carbohydrates (think mashed potatoes or stuffing), tryptophan absorption is optimized, raising the likelihood of improved relaxation and easier shifts into sleep.
OrthoIllinois 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 emphasizes 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 facilitating insomnia, turkey’s tryptophan can have a cascading effect on general wellness:
- Mood Regulation: Serotonin taken from tryptophan isn’t just for sleep—it’s also a natural mood stabilizer, making your holidays a little brighter.
- Reduced Stress: A balanced serotonin-melatonin cycle leads to lower stress levels, creating 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 indulge in your Thanksgiving turkey with a side of thankfulness for the sleep-enhancing benefits it offers? Combine 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 enhance sleep. (2) Cheers to delicious meals, science-backed solutions, and a season of restful nights!
CONTACT OrthoIllinois 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.
