Let’s be honest: after Thanksgiving dinner, there’s a universal phenomenon that sweeps across the house. You’re full, you’re content, and suddenly you find yourself nodding off on the couch. But take a look at your dog or cat—they’re sprawled out, snoring away, just as blissfully comatose as you are.

Ever wondered why turkey seems to turn both people and pets into professional nappers? It’s not just the post-feast food coma. There’s actual science (and a little myth) behind this turkey-induced sleepiness that hits every November.

THE TRYPTOPHAN TALE

Let’s break it down. Turkey contains an amino acid called tryptophan. You’ve probably heard someone blame their drowsiness on it—“It’s the tryptophan!”—but what’s really going on inside the body (and your pet’s body) after a turkey dinner?

Tryptophan is a building block for serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and, most importantly, sleep. Serotonin is then converted into melatonin, the hormone responsible for making you feel sleepy when it gets dark. So, in theory, eating turkey gives you (and your pets) a little extra nudge toward dreamland.

But here’s the twist—turkey isn’t actually loaded with more tryptophan than other meats. Chicken, beef, and even some cheeses have similar amounts. The real culprit behind the Thanksgiving snooze fest? It’s the combination of a big meal, high-carbohydrate sides, and the natural winding down after a day of excitement and socializing. The carbs help tryptophan cross the blood-brain barrier, making it more effective at triggering that sleepy feeling.