3 Scientific Excuses for the Post Turkey Nap

Who doesn’t want to take a long nap after eating all that food on Thanksgiving Day? While you kick your feet up and watch football or the Macy’s Day Parade, your body gets down to the business of digestion. If anyone suggests you do the dishes, use these three scientific excuses for post turkey dinner napping.

The Post Turkey Nap is Crucial for Digestion!

When we eat, our body diverts blood to our stomach and intestines to aid in digestion. If we engage in any activity, we hinder the process of proper digestion. The result: indigestion. The Greeks and Spaniards figured it out ages ago. A siesta is healthy. Put on the TV, grab a blankie, and snooze away in the name of digestion!

The Post Turkey Nap is Essential for Regulating Blood Sugar Levels!

If we consume food high in carbohydrates and straight sugar (stuffing, rolls, cranberry sauce, wine, PIE) our pancreas starts a domino effect of sleepiness by turning the sugar into insulin. The insulin then triggers L-tryptophan (more on this below.) L-tryptophan is an amino acid that signals the brain to make serotonin. Now you feel sleepy, happy and kind of sexy. You must nap as a dream about a beautifully roasted turkey wearing alluring pajamas and holding a glass of epic claret awaits you.

There are Drugs in Your Turkey!

Remember that L-Tryptophan we just talked about? They market this powerful vitamin as an alternative to Xanax, Effexor, Klonopin and the list goes on. It is very effective at elevating mood, reducing stress and anxiety and inducing sleep.  Let’s compare one over-the-counter pill, containing 500mg as the recommended dosage, to your Thanksgiving meal.

• 1 pound of white-meat turkey 503mg.
• 2 servings cooked broccoli, cauliflower, kale, spinach, or asparagus 125mg-250mg.
• 1 serving of Pumpkin Pie 91.4mg.
• 1 serving stuffing 41 mg
• 1 glass of milk 138mg

Now we’re up to over nearly 1000mg of L-tryptophan in your system.  That’s twice the recommended dosage. You can’t help but take a nap if you’re overdosing on L-tryptophan! Use these three very scientific excuses for the post turkey nap and you cannot fail! You’re welcome. Sweet dreams….