Lots of Oxford Sleep Problems Help from Turkey & Its Tryptophan
Do you find yourself tossing and turning at night, trying anything to get that elusive promise of restful sleep? If so, you’re not the only one. Insomnia affects millions, leaving many searching for natural answers to get the restorative rest they need. This Thanksgiving, you might find an unexpected help in an iconic holiday staple—turkey. With its high levels of tryptophan, turkey offers a tasty and healthful way to boost better sleep which is so important for our Oxford chiropractic patients at Satterwhite 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 producing serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and sleep cycles. Serotonin is then converted into melatonin, the hormone responsible for 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 Oxford 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 great addition to your diet if you are looking to boost sleep quality. When combined with carbohydrates (think mashed potatoes or stuffing), tryptophan absorption is enhanced, increasing the likelihood of better relaxation and easier transitions into sleep.
Satterwhite Chiropractic found a clinical study by Abad and Guilleminault in Drugs & Aging quite interesting. (1) It highlights the role tryptophan has in natural insomnia management. The research emphasizes the ability of tryptophan-rich foods to boost better sleep patterns without the reliance on heavy pharmacological interventions—inspiring for anyone looking for gentle, food-based sleep remedies.
BENEFITS BEYOND SLEEP
Beyond aiding with insomnia, turkey’s tryptophan can have a cascading effect on general wellness:
- Mood Regulation: Serotonin derived from tryptophan is not just for sleep—it’s also a natural mood stabilizer, allowing your holidays to be 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 host of B vitamins.
SUPPORT YOUR SLEEP THIS THANKSGIVING
This holiday season, why not enjoy your Thanksgiving turkey with a side of gratitude 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 restful nights!
CONTACT Satterwhite 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.
