Here’s why you might feel sleepy after a Thanksgiving meal

OHIO — Did you eat your fill this Thanksgiving? Feeling like taking a little nap?

According to a Cleveland Clinic dietitian, there’s some science behind why you may be getting drowsy on Turkey Day, and the turkey is actually part of it.

According to a post on the hospital system’s website, they said the amino acid called tryptophan is found in turkey, and it can cause drowsiness. It’s also found in other foods such as chicken, milk, peanuts, pumpkin seeds and more.

However, it’s not this amino acid alone that may be making you tired. The Cleveland Clinic states that another reason could be due to the amount of food you’re eating.

“The meal typically contains large amounts of carbs (stuffing, potatoes, pie, desserts, rolls), which can spike your blood sugar initially,” Dietitian Julia Zumpano said in the post. “But then, your blood sugar levels crash or decrease, which leaves you feeling lethargic.”

Additionally, she said more blood is directed to your bowels to help with digestion, leaving less in the brain, “causing you to feel less alert.”

Finally, if you had any alcohol (fairly common during the holidays), that’s likely to make you even more sleepy.

Here’s how they say you can avoid becoming sleepy:

• Make your portions smaller
• Limit yourself on alcohol
• Eat slower and cut yourself off when you’re full
• Consider taking a walk
• Make sure get enough sleep the night before the holiday

Alternatively, the family room couch can be awfully comfy. Maybe a little nap is still an option.