"Turkey lurkey doo and
Turkey lurkey dap
I eat that turkey
Then I take a nap."
Yes, while I could have used my own words to introduce post-turkey naps and what really causes them, there is really no way of articulating the concept better than Sandler.
Besides the turkey, mashed potatoes, football and family aspects of Thanksgiving, one tradition that resonates throughout households across the country is the post-feast nap that seems almost unavoidable. In fact, it even seems as if turkey farmers are universally adding sedatives to their meat in order to guarantee the irreplaceable pleasure that is found in the post-meal nap.
But is the turkey really to blame when a nap seems more vital than washing the insurmountable stack of dirty dishes?
Bad news for all who grab a second helping of turkey in hopes of guaranteeing that peaceful nap — the turkey is innocent.
The myth that turkey makes you sleepy originated because turkey includes tryptophan, an amino acid that can be used as a "mild-sleep inducing agent," according to National Geographic news.
According to Dr. Robert Williams, an associate professor with the Food, Science and Technology department, "tryptophan is blamed because it is used by the body to create the B vitamin niacin which helps produce serotonin, which has a calming effect and regulates sleep."
"In reality," he continued, "there is not enough tryptophan in turkey to induce sleep."
In addition, he explained that tryptophan is effective as a sedative when used as a supplement or taken on an empty stomach. Otherwise, he said, "other amino acids found in protein dampen the effect of tryptophan."
So if the turkey can't be blamed, what's really causing the struggle to keep your eyes from closing while still at the dinner table?
"The unusually large, multi-coursed, carbohydrate-rich meal most people eat on Thanksgiving is more likely the cause," claims the National Turkey Federation.
It may seem that the Turkey Federation is merely covering the tails of their beloved bird, but there is evidence to support their case.
Studies done by the University of Georgia show that the average person eats between 2,000 and 3,000 calories at a holiday meal. That is more calories than the average person needs on a daily basis, and that's after only one meal.
And besides the turkey, think of everything else you may be consuming on Thanksgiving. Carrots: carb; potatoes: carb; rolls: carb. Even beer or wine that may be consumed during the annual turkey feast is considered a carbohydrate.
While carbohydrates are usually broken down into glucose molecules, a primary source of energy for the body, Williams said, "the overall amount of food eaten takes a lot of energy to digest, which can make people sleepy or groggy."
He concluded, "overeating is the biggest issue, with alcohol as a contributing factor."
For those readers who are trying to beat the post-meal sedation, there are ways to wake up that don't involve five cups of coffee or a case of Red Bull.
One trick to staying awake after the meal is to take steps in the right direction even before that first morsel hits your mouth. Consider exercising in the morning or entering a Thanksgiving Day run. Not only will your metabolism be up and running, but you won't feel so bad about grabbing that extra slice of pie.
If your local gym is closed, try building a more balanced plate of food at the dinner table. While this is undeniably a food lover's holiday, it is highly improbable that this will be the last meal you ever eat. Eat the same amount of food you would at any other meal in order to not overstuff yourself. No one wants to run around with the little relatives when they can barely move themselves.
Whether you have Thanksgiving insomnia or Thanksgiving narcolepsy, there are ways to break this holiday habit. Have a happy and healthy Thanksgiving, Tech!