Why we feel sleepy after a big Thanksgiving mealSerotonin is one of the “feel-good” hormones, which can calm and relax the body. The US Department of Agriculture recommends planning for 1 pound of turkey meat per person when preparing a holiday meal. “Tryptophan from turkey is unlikely to enter the brain and make enough serotonin to make us sleepy,” Malin said. “These tasty dishes contain a high amount of carbohydrates, which also contribute to post-meal sleepiness.”Another reason you feel sleepy after a meal is a change in blood flow from the head to the digestive system. “Alcohol slows down your brain and relaxes your muscles, so after a few drinks you’ll likely feel sleepy.”

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Persons: ”, Raj Dasgupta, Steven Malin, ” Malin, Kristen Knutson, ” Knutson, ” Overeating, Dasgupta, ” Dasgupta Organizations: CNN, University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine, National Library of Medicine, Rutgers University, Adobe Stock, US Department of Agriculture, Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine Locations: New Jersey, Turkey