Is Warm Milk Good for Sleeping

Having trouble falling asleep and wondering if warm milk is good for sleeping? Many people remember their parents giving them a glass of warm milk to help to sleep when they were younger but are not sure if it actually worked or if it was just another sleep myth.

There are many old wives tales when it comes to sleep aides. The truth is drinking a glass of warm milk may put you to bed if you are sleep deprived, but not for the reasons your parents may have told you!

Warm Milk and Amino Acids

Many people believe in drinking a glass of warm milk before bed because of the Melatonin and Tryptophan. Tryptophan is most commonly remembered as the chemical in Turkey that makes you fall asleep on Thanksgiving! You might be surprised to learn that there is actually no extra Tryptophan released when drinking a glass of warm milk at bedtime.

While milk does contain Tryptophan studies have shown that there is no correlation with the amino acid and sleep, only large meals! That warm, sleepy feeling you get after finishing a cup before bed is only due to the routine!

What Kind of Milk is Best?

The best kind of milk to drink is up to you but studies have shown that milk with more fat contains extra amounts off amino acids and hormones. If you are on a diet or prefer skim milk don’t worry! Remember, drinking a glass of warm milk is more about the routine than the calories.

Why does warm milk put you to sleep?

Warm milk helps people fall asleep due to the release of melatonin and the associated nighttime routine. Melatonin, the sleep hormone, is responsible for your internal sleep clock and many people can remember their parents making them a glass of warm milk on the stove to help them relax and go to bed.

Tryptophan stimulates the pineal gland to produce melatonin causing the body to prepare for sleep. Cold milk may also help you fall asleep but it also tends to be more difficult to digest than warm milk, we say if you have a microwave available try to heat up your glass.

How to make Warm Milk

Making warm milk is easy, all you need is: milk, a microwave and your favorite glass. Other optional ingredients include vanilla extract, sugar, nutmeg or honey.

Try our favorite warm milk recipe

  1. Pour your milk into a glass
  2. Add an extra ingredients
  3. Heat in the microwave for 45 seconds
  4. Enjoy your milk and have sweet dreams

Is it good to drink warm milk?

Warm milk is just as healthy as cold milk and is a healthy nighttime, all natural sleep aid. Warm milk is easier to digest than cold milk and easier on your stomach if you experience problems like heartburn or acid reflux disease.

Marie Seska

Marie Seska

Marie Seska is one of the most trusted sources on the net for sleep information. She searches the web - as well as the latest medical journals to bring her readers the latest news and information.

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