Expert Tips for Not Feeling Sleepy After Thanksgiving Dinner

Americans across the country will enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings and will likely feel tired afterward. But can this feeling be avoided?

While most attribute the sudden tiredness after eating to the turkey, or more specifically the tryptophan in turkey, experts have explained why that’s not the whole story.

Other habits such as overeating, drinking and increased blood flow to the stomach also contribute to sleepiness, according to registered dietitian Julia Zumpano, who wrote a blog post for the Cleveland Clinic on the topic.

Whether you want to stay up and watch the football game or grab the early Black Friday deals in person, here’s how to avoid post-Thanksgiving dinner sleepiness.

• Eat smaller portions
• Limit your alcohol consumption
• Slow down when eating
• Once you are full, stop eating
• Take a walk after dinner
• Get a good night’s sleep before Thanksgiving

If sleepiness is a part of Thanksgiving you don’t like, Zumpano has some encouraging words.

“If you don’t particularly like any part of Thanksgiving, know that you can change the outcome,” Zumpano wrote. “For example, you can pay attention to how much you eat and drink, exercise and get enough sleep beforehand.”