Lots of Manahawkin Sleep Problems Help from Turkey & Its Tryptophan
Do you find yourself struggling to fall asleep at night, chasing the elusive promise of restful sleep? If so, you’re not alone. 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 friend in an iconic holiday staple—turkey. With its high concentrations of tryptophan, turkey offers a yummy and healthful way to support better sleep which is so important for our Manahawkin chiropractic patients at Manahawkin Chiropractic Center 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 making serotonin, a neurotransmitter that assists in regulating mood and sleep cycles. Serotonin is then changed into melatonin, the hormone responsible for managing your sleep-wake cycle. Consuming tryptophan-rich foods like turkey can help increase these processes, making it simpler to fall off into restful sleep. Just look around the room after your Manahawkin 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 boost sleep quality. When paired with carbohydrates (think mashed potatoes or stuffing), tryptophan absorption is enhanced, raising the likelihood of improved relaxation and easier shifts into sleep.
Manahawkin Chiropractic Center found a clinical study by Abad and Guilleminault in Drugs & Aging quite interesting. (1) It features the role tryptophan plays in natural insomnia management. The research emphasizes the ability of tryptophan-rich foods to promote better sleep patterns without relying on heavy pharmacological interventions—inspiring for anyone looking for gentle, food-based sleep remedies.
BENEFITS BEYOND SLEEP
Beyond facilitating insomnia, turkey’s tryptophan can have a cascading effect on general 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 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 bunch of B vitamins.
SUPPORT YOUR SLEEP THIS THANKSGIVING
This holiday season, why not indulge in your Thanksgiving turkey with a side of thankfulness 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 support sleep. (2) Cheers to delicious meals, science-backed solutions, and a season of sleep-filled nights!
CONTACT Manahawkin Chiropractic Center
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 helped with relief with The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management.
