Lots of Vancouver Sleep Problems Help from Turkey & Its Tryptophan
Do you find yourself tossing and turning at night, trying anything to get that elusive promise 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 help in an iconic holiday food—turkey. With its high concentrations of tryptophan, turkey offers a tasty and healthful way to boost better sleep which is so important for our Vancouver chiropractic patients at Vancouver Disc Centers who are healing from back pain or neck pain.
WHAT IS TRYPTOPHAN?
Tryptophan is a vital amino acid that plays a key role in making serotonin, a neurotransmitter that assists in regulating mood and sleep cycles. Serotonin is then changed into melatonin, the hormone in charge of managing your sleep-wake cycle. Eating 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 Vancouver 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 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.
Vancouver Disc Centers found a clinical study by Abad and Guilleminault in Drugs & Aging quite interesting. (1) It highlights the role tryptophan has in natural insomnia management. The research emphasizes the ability of tryptophan-rich foods to boost better sleep patterns without the reliance on heavy pharmacological interventions—encouraging for anyone seeking gentle, food-based sleep remedies.
BENEFITS BEYOND SLEEP
Beyond facilitating insomnia, turkey’s tryptophan can have a greater effect on overall wellness:
- Mood Regulation: Serotonin derived from tryptophan is not just for sleep—it’s also a natural mood stabilizer, allowing your holidays to be a little brighter.
- Reduced Stress: A balanced serotonin-melatonin cycle leads to lower stress levels, creating 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 enhance sleep. (2) Here is a shout-out to delicious meals, science-backed solutions, and a season of sleep-filled nights!
CONTACT Vancouver Disc Centers
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 fostered relief with The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management.
