Lots of Auburn Sleep Problems Help from Turkey & Its Tryptophan
Do you find yourself struggling to fall asleep at night, trying anything to get that elusive promise of restful sleep? If so, you’re not the only one. Insomnia bothers millions, leaving many looking for natural answers to get the restorative rest they so want and desire. This Thanksgiving, you might find an unexpected friend 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 Auburn chiropractic patients at Dr. Le's Chiropractic & Wellness, L.L.C. who are healing from back pain or neck pain.
WHAT IS TRYPTOPHAN?
Tryptophan is a vital amino acid that is important in the process of producing serotonin, a neurotransmitter that assists in regulating mood and sleep cycles. Serotonin is then changed 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 simpler to drift off into restful sleep. Just look around the room after your Auburn 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 enhanced, raising the likelihood of improved relaxation and easier shifts into sleep.
Dr. Le's Chiropractic & Wellness, L.L.C. found a clinical study by Abad and Guilleminault in Drugs & Aging quite interesting. (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 aiding with insomnia, turkey’s tryptophan can have a cascading effect on overall 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, generating 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 bunch of B vitamins.
SUPPORT YOUR SLEEP THIS THANKSGIVING
This holiday season, why not enjoy 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 support sleep. (2) Cheers to delicious meals, science-backed solutions, and a season of sleep-filled nights!
CONTACT Dr. Le's Chiropractic & Wellness, L.L.C.
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.
