Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that is necessary for life and cannot be produced by the human body. It is used to make proteins, enzymes, muscles, and neurotransmitters. The body uses tryptophan to make melatonin and serotonin, which help regulate sleep, mood, appetite, and pain. The liver also uses tryptophan to make niacin (vitamin B3), which is needed for DNA production and energy metabolism.

So tryptophan is necessary, but overdoing it will land you on the floor, snoring away or in bed napping. But there might be tryptophan for the soul that is not so good!

We are warned in Luke 21:31, “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy.” If we are going to be vigilant and aware of what is happening around us, we cannot afford to have tired, drowsy hearts. How does your heart become drowsy? Jesus says by carousing and drunkenness, and take note, anxieties of daily life. We can understand how anxiety wears you out, makes you tired, and you long for a nap.

Unfortunately, naps come in the form of alcohol, drugs, or some other kind of behavior that puts you to sleep! Alcohol can be tryptophan for the soul. Anything can be tryptophan for the soul! Substituting anything for the Lord can lull you into a spiritual coma.