Many people become sleepy after a large meal, especially over the holidays. There may be several reasons for this.
One hypothesis has been absorption of L-tryptophan, especially after a turkey dinner. However, the theoretical basis (increased serotonin release) may not be evident in many subjects..
Other possible mechanisms:
(1) release of melatonin (possibly triggered by L-tryptophan)
(2) high carbohydrate intake
(3) alcohol
(4) learned behavior
(5) being tired from holiday celebrations and travelling
(6) change in parasympathetic tone while digesting a large meal
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