Lots of Juneau Sleep Problems Help from Turkey & Its Tryptophan
Do you find yourself tossing and turning at night, chasing the promised dream of restful sleep? If so, you’re not alone. Insomnia affects millions, leaving many searching for natural answers to get the restorative rest they need. This Thanksgiving, you might find an unexpected ally in an iconic holiday staple—turkey. With its high concentrations of tryptophan, turkey offers a tasty and healthful way to support better sleep which is so important for our Juneau chiropractic patients at Aurora Chiropractic Center who are healing from back pain or neck pain.
WHAT IS TRYPTOPHAN?
Tryptophan is a vital amino acid that plays a key role in producing 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 drift off into restful sleep. Just look around the room after your Juneau Thanksgiving dinner!
HOW TURKEY CAN HELP WITH INSOMNIA
Turkey is one of the most highly recognized sources of tryptophan, and thanks to its deliciously lean protein, it’s a great 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 improved relaxation and easier shifts into sleep.
Aurora 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 the reliance 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 overall wellness:
- Mood Regulation: Serotonin taken 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 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 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? 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 support sleep. (2) Here is a shout-out to delicious meals, science-backed solutions, and a season of restful nights!
CONTACT Aurora Chiropractic Center
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.
