Do you find yourself struggling to fall asleep at night, chasing the promised
dream of restful sleep? If so, you are not the
only one. Insomnia bothers millions, leaving many looking
for natural solutions to get the restorative rest
they so want and desire. This Thanksgiving, you might find an
unexpected ally in a classic holiday staple—turkey. A nutritional approach to health may be worth exploring! With its high concentrations of tryptophan, turkey offers a yummy
and healthful way to support better sleep which is so important for
our Millville chiropractic patients at Wilson Family Chiropractic who are healing
from back pain or neck pain.
WHAT IS TRYPTOPHAN?
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that is
important in the process of producing
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 Millville 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’re
looking to boost sleep quality. When combined with
carbohydrates (think mashed potatoes or stuffing), tryptophan absorption is enhanced,
raising the likelihood of better relaxation and
easier transitions into sleep.
Wilson Family Chiropractic found a clinical study by Abad and
Guilleminault in Drugs & Aging quite interesting. (1) It features
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—encouraging 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, 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? 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 sleep-filled nights!
CONTACT Wilson Family 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.
Make your Millville chiropractic
appointment soon.