Lots of Plainville Sleep Problems Help from Turkey & Its Tryptophan
Do you find yourself tossing and turning at night, chasing the elusive promise of restful sleep? If so, you are not alone. Insomnia bothers millions, leaving many searching for natural answers to get the restorative rest they so want and desire. This Thanksgiving, you might find an unexpected help in an iconic holiday food—turkey. With its high levels of tryptophan, turkey offers a tasty and healthful way to boost better sleep which is so important for our Plainville chiropractic patients at Layden Chiropractic who are healing from back pain or neck pain.
WHAT IS TRYPTOPHAN?
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that plays a key role in making serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and sleep cycles. Serotonin is then converted into melatonin, the hormone in charge of overseeing your sleep-wake cycle. Consuming tryptophan-rich foods like turkey can help increase these processes, making it easier to fall off into restful sleep. Just look around the room after your Plainville 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 enhance sleep quality. When combined with carbohydrates (think mashed potatoes or stuffing), tryptophan absorption is enhanced, raising the likelihood of improved relaxation and easier shifts into sleep.
Layden Chiropractic found a clinical study by Abad and Guilleminault in Drugs & Aging quite good. (1) It features the role tryptophan has 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—encouraging for anyone wanting gentle, food-based sleep remedies.
BENEFITS BEYOND SLEEP
Beyond facilitating insomnia, turkey’s tryptophan can have a cascading effect on overall wellness:
- Mood Regulation: Serotonin derived from tryptophan is not just for sleep—it’s also a natural mood stabilizer, making your holidays a little brighter.
- Reduced Stress: A balanced serotonin-melatonin cycle can lead to stress levels, creating a calm mental state that supports physical health.
- Nutrition Boost: Turkey is not just about tryptophan! It’s also full of lean protein, essential nutrients like selenium, and a host 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? 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) Here is a shout-out to delicious meals, science-backed solutions, and a season of restful nights!
CONTACT Layden Chiropractic
Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. Chris DeVeau, on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he illustrates the difficulty an arm pain patient had sleeping and how he fostered relief with The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management.
