Posted by 
Unveil the real story behind America’s beloved post-Thanksgiving dinner nap tradition. Is turkey’s tryptophan really to blame, or is there more to this food coma ritual? It is that time of year again. The leaves have fallen, the air has turned crisp, and families across America are preparing for the annual feast that inevitably leads to what I consider a national pastime the Thanksgiving Day nap. I have always wondered, when did this post-feast slumber become such an integral part of our turkey day celebrations? And is there more to this tradition than just overeating?
How the Thanksgiving Food Coma Became an American Institution
The Thanksgiving nap might not be documented in history books alongside the Pilgrims and Native Americans, but this beloved ritual has deep roots in our holiday tradition. I remember as a kid watching my dad and uncles mysteriously disappear after dinner, only to find them later sprawled across couches and recliners, football game blaring in the background, eyes firmly shut.
As it turns out, Americans have been falling asleep after Thanksgiving dinner practically since the holiday became official. When President Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863, he probably did not anticipate creating a day where productivity across the nation would plummet by mid-afternoon. But here we are, over 150 years later, and the post-turkey snooze has become nearly as traditional as the meal itself.
Is Tryptophan Really the Culprit Behind Your Thanksgiving Drowsiness?
You have probably heard the popular explanation turkey contains tryptophan, an amino acid that supposedly makes us sleepy. I believed this myth for years. Every November, someone at our table would inevitably announce, “It is the tryptophan making everyone tired!” while gesturing toward the demolished turkey carcass.
But is turkey really to blame for our collective food coma? Not exactly. Turkey does contain tryptophan, which is a precursor to serotonin and melatonin chemicals that help regulate sleep. However, turkey does not actually contain any more tryptophan than chicken, beef, or other meats. The real reason for our post-Thanksgiving drowsiness? We are simply eating massive amounts of carbohydrates stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, dinner rolls, and pie alongside that turkey.
This carbohydrate overload causes our bodies to release insulin, which removes most amino acids from our bloodstream but not tryptophan. This creates an imbalance that allows more tryptophan to reach our brain, potentially making us feel sleepier than usual. So really, it is the entire Thanksgiving feast working together that sends us searching for the nearest horizontal surface.
From Dinner Table to Sofa: The Evolution of a National Ritual
The Thanksgiving nap has evolved alongside American culture. In the early 20th century, when extended families often lived together or nearby, the post-meal rest might have been a simple necessity a break before the lengthy cleanup process began.
By mid-century, with the rise of television, the Thanksgiving nap gained a perfect companion: football . The first Thanksgiving Day NFL game was broadcast in 1934 when the Detroit Lions played the Chicago Bears. This brilliant programming decision gave tired diners something to doze off to while pretending they were still participating in family time.
My grandfather tells stories of how in the 1950s, men would retreat to the living room after dinner to watch the game, which was code for to fall asleep in front of the television. Meanwhile, women typically stayed behind for kitchen cleanup a gendered division that thankfully has evolved in many households.
Embracing the Post-Feast Slumber: Tips From a Thanksgiving Nap Enthusiast
Over my 30-something years of Thanksgiving celebrations, I have perfected the art of the holiday nap. My expertise tells me location is key. Scout your napping spot early, before less experienced nappers claim prime real estate. The recliner by the window? Perfect. The end of the sofa away from the kitchen noise? Excellent choice.
I do not recommend trying to fight the inevitable. That tryptophan-carb combo, possibly enhanced by a glass or two of wine, is powerful stuff. Instead, lean into tradition. Some of my fondest memories involve waking up from a Thanksgiving nap to find half my family similarly dozing, a football game playing to an unconscious audience, while the energetic few how do they do it play board games or start decorating for Christmas.
Reference
Jenkins, D. J. A., Wolever, T. M. S., Taylor, R. H., Barker, H., Fielden, H., Baldwin, J. M., Bowling, A. C., Newman, H. C., Jenkins, A. L., & Goff, D. V. (1981). Glycemic index of foods: A physiological basis for carbohydrate exchange. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 34(3), 362–366. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/34.3.362
Wurtman, R. J., Wurtman, J. J., Regan, M. M., McDermott, J. M., Tsay, R. H., & Breu, J. J. (2003). Effects of normal meals rich in carbohydrates or proteins on plasma tryptophan and tyrosine ratios. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 77(1), 128–132. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/77.1.128
Spring, B., Maller, O., Wurtman, J., Digman, L., & Cozolino, L. (1982). Effects of protein and carbohydrate meals on mood and performance: Interactions with sex and age. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 17(2), 155–167. https://doi.org/10.1016/0022-3956(82)90017-6
Richard, D. M., Dawes, M. A., Mathias, C. W., Acheson, A., Hill-Kapturczak, N., & Dougherty, D. M. (2009). L-tryptophan: Basic metabolic functions, behavioral research and therapeutic indications. International Journal of Tryptophan Research, 2, 45–60. https://doi.org/10.4137/IJTR.S2129