Does Eating Turkey Really Make You Sleepy? And Can Coffee Help?

We’ve all heard it — “Turkey makes you sleepy.”

After Thanksgiving dinner, everyone’s on the couch, half-asleep, and the turkey gets all the blame.

But is it true? And if it is… can a cup of coffee save the day?

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🧠 The Truth About Turkey and Sleepiness

Turkey contains an amino acid called tryptophan, which helps your body produce serotonin and melatonin — hormones that regulate mood and sleep.

So yes, in theory, tryptophan can make you feel a little drowsy.

But here’s the twist:

Turkey doesn’t have more tryptophan than other meats like chicken or beef.

The real reason you feel sleepy after a big turkey dinner?

👉 Carbs, fat, and portion size.

Mashed potatoes, stuffing, pie, and gravy all raise your blood sugar — then drop it — which causes that cozy post-dinner nap feeling.

Add in a full stomach and maybe a glass of wine, and boom… nap time.

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☕ Can Caffeine Help?

Absolutely!

Caffeine works by blocking adenosine, a brain chemical that makes you feel tired.

A cup of coffee after your Thanksgiving feast can help keep you alert and fight that food coma.

But timing matters:

If you drink coffee too late in the evening, it might stop you from sleeping later.

So if your dinner is early, a cup of coffee or espresso afterward is perfect.

If it’s a late dinner, maybe go for a small pour or even a half-caff blend.

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🦃 + ☕ The Perfect Combo

Turkey might get the blame for your sleepiness, but it’s really your whole plate working together.

And the best countermeasure? A delicious cup of coffee to balance it out.

So this Thanksgiving, when the table gets quiet and eyelids get heavy —

be the hero who brings out the coffee pot. ☕