Lots of La Grande 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 are not the only one. Insomnia affects millions, leaving many looking for natural solutions to get the restorative rest they need. This Thanksgiving, you might find an unexpected help in a classic holiday food—turkey. With its high levels of tryptophan, turkey offers a yummy and healthful way to support better sleep which is so important for our La Grande chiropractic patients at Dr. Paulette Hugulet, DC, LLC 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 making serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and sleep cycles. Serotonin is then converted into melatonin, the hormone responsible for managing your sleep-wake cycle. Consuming tryptophan-rich foods like turkey can help increase these processes, making it easier to drift off into restful sleep. Just look around the room after your La Grande 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 terrific addition to your diet if you are looking to enhance sleep quality. When combined with carbohydrates (think mashed potatoes or stuffing), tryptophan absorption is enhanced, raising the likelihood of better relaxation and easier shifts into sleep.
Dr. Paulette Hugulet, DC, LLC 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 points out the ability of tryptophan-rich foods to promote better sleep patterns without relying 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 cascading effect on overall 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 packed with lean protein, essential nutrients like selenium, and a host of B vitamins.
SUPPORT YOUR SLEEP THIS THANKSGIVING
This holiday season, why not indulge in 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 support sleep. (2) Cheers to delicious meals, science-backed solutions, and a season of restful nights!
CONTACT Dr. Paulette Hugulet, DC, LLC
Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. Chris DeVeau, on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he describes the difficulty an arm pain patient had sleeping and how he helped with relief with The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management.
