Good Old Warm Milk Does Indeed Work Before Bed
Does warm milk help put one to sleep?
According to scientific research and analysis, there are many facets to this. For one, the compound tryptophan found in milk in other foods and beverages is not as powerful in inducing lethargy as common understanding says. But other compounds and amino acids present in milk have been found to correlate strongly with longer sleep periods for mice. So, go ahead and keep drinking warm milk if this helps you sleep.
On a related note, this article by Markham Heid prescribes a sure method for easier sleep — do something different in the last hour before you go to bed to program your mind into the habit of gradual sleep time. Could it be that drinking warm milk is one such psychological reinforcement for sleep? Warm milk is such a positive reinforcement, right? Is warm milk not sweet and alluring in taste, soothing to the mouth and throat, and calming to the stomach? This might be enough of a psychological and emotional booster for many.
Certainly, warm milk is a positive regimen to help prepare for a steady night of sleep. Is it not better than the alternatives of caffeine loaded coffee, soda, or some blends of tea? An already disgruntled mind may likely be kept up until the wee hours of the morning with additional stress if too much of these wake-state inducing drinks are used instead.
Another soothing and helpful drink is water. Yes, just a small glass of water before bed can help keep one hydrated while also ensuring optimum body temperatures. Water does the body good anyway. Being better hydrated helps to improve mood, reduce headaches, and ensure overall healthy body functioning.
Each person may have their own preferred beverage or other ancedote to help with sleep. Whatever one’s chosen drink, cheers to a full and pleasant rest.
