Lots of New York City 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 the only one. 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 a classic holiday food—turkey. With its high levels of tryptophan, turkey offers a yummy and healthful way to support better sleep which is so important for our New York City chiropractic patients at Rosenberg Wellness Center who are healing from back pain or neck pain.
WHAT IS TRYPTOPHAN?
Tryptophan is a vital 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 boost these processes, making it simpler to fall off into restful sleep. Just look around the room after your New York City 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’re looking to enhance sleep quality. When combined with carbohydrates (think mashed potatoes or stuffing), tryptophan absorption is optimized, increasing the likelihood of better relaxation and easier transitions into sleep.
Rosenberg Wellness Center 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 boost better sleep patterns without relying on heavy pharmacological interventions—inspiring for anyone wanting gentle, food-based sleep remedies.
BENEFITS BEYOND SLEEP
Beyond facilitating insomnia, turkey’s tryptophan can have a greater effect on general 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 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 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 enhance sleep. (2) Here is a shout-out to delicious meals, science-backed solutions, and a season of restful nights!
CONTACT Rosenberg Wellness Center
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 helped with relief with The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management.
