Lots of Groton 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 are not alone. Insomnia affects millions, leaving many looking for natural solutions to get the restorative rest they so want and desire. This Thanksgiving, you might find an unexpected friend in an iconic holiday food—turkey. With its high concentrations of tryptophan, turkey offers a yummy and healthful way to boost better sleep which is so important for our Groton chiropractic patients at Shoreline Medical Services/ Hutter Chiropractic Office 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 helps regulate mood and sleep cycles. Serotonin is then converted into melatonin, the hormone in charge of overseeing your sleep-wake cycle. Eating 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 Groton Thanksgiving dinner!
HOW TURKEY CAN HELP WITH INSOMNIA
Turkey is one of the most well-known sources of tryptophan, and acknowledgement of 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 improved relaxation and easier transitions into sleep.
Shoreline Medical Services/ Hutter Chiropractic Office found a clinical study by Abad and Guilleminault in Drugs & Aging quite good. (1) It features the role tryptophan plays in natural insomnia management. The research points out the ability of tryptophan-rich foods to boost better sleep patterns without relying on heavy pharmacological interventions—inspiring for anyone seeking gentle, food-based sleep remedies.
BENEFITS BEYOND SLEEP
Beyond aiding with insomnia, turkey’s tryptophan can have a greater effect on general wellness:
- Mood Regulation: Serotonin derived 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 packed with 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 enhance sleep. (2) Here is a shout-out to delicious meals, science-backed solutions, and a season of restful nights!
CONTACT Shoreline Medical Services/ Hutter Chiropractic Office
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.
