Drinking milk before bed does not appear to have documented negative side effects in most people. Some people, however, might want to avoid milk. For example, people who have a dairy allergy, are lactose intolerant.
Milk and dairy products have tryptophan, an amino acid which can help promote sleep. Tryptophan has a soothing and sedative effect which may, in turn, induce sleep. Milk also has melatonin, a hormone which functions as a neurotransmitter and aids in regulating sleep-wake patterns.
Milk has long been known and used to promote sleep. The sleep-promoting effect of milk has been attributed to its psychological associations (i.e., the memory of a mother giving milk at bedtime) and its rich store of sleep-promoting constituents (e.g., tryptophan).
Protein contains the amino acids that your body uses to build muscle, and consuming enough protein is vital to optimal results. If you haven't been able to consume enough protein throughout the day, consuming Milk prior to bed can make up for that and help fuel muscle growth throughout the night.
Milk taken from cows in the evening (hence the name “night milk”) supposedly should have the most positive affects as a sleep aid. The major benefits of drinking milk before bed include healthy proteins and amino acids that assist your body in getting a completely uninterrupted satisfying night's sleep.
Additionally, milk protein has also been shown to help increase thermogenesis — meaning that your body burns more calories digesting it. Increases energy level: Finally, from a simple energy perspective, milk protein before bed can actually help you wake up feeling more energized in the morning.
Tryptophan and melatonin
Your two best friends for a restful night. Milk (and other dairy products) are a really good source of tryptophan. It's an amino acid that can help promote sleep, so it can come in particularly handy especially if you're used to tossing and turning before finally getting off to sleep.
It may seem like a myth perpetuated by the movies, but it turns out warm milk can actually help your body relax before sleep. The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences reported that while the drink itself does not make you sleepier, it does contain nutrients that make your body more likely to fall asleep.
But how does milk help with stress, specifically? Several of milk's nutrients have been studied for their potential power to make us feel calmer and happier. B Vitamins. Significant indicates that B vitamins can help improve your mood and decrease stress.
Milk has been linked with reducing the risk of chronic conditions like obesity, high blood pressure, and cancer. As discussed earlier, milk helps in diet control and burning calories, which reduces the risk of obesity.
Many nutritionists also believe that drinking milk at night causes problems with digestion. If your stomach is not clean or there are problems in digesting food, then stop drinking milk at night.
It's OK to think about night weaning for healthy breastfed children from 12 months of age. At this age, most children are getting enough food during the day for their growth and development. But before 12 months, night weaning breastfed babies can reduce your milk supply.
Chamomile tea, like warm milk, is another more traditional option in the world of natural sleeping solutions. Experts have recommended the use of chamomile for years as an aid for those who suffer from insomnia. Often, this tea is very calming and soothing — as well as being caffeine-free.
As per Ayurveda, the best time to consume milk for adults is before bedtime. As for kids, Ayurveda recommends an early morning dose of milk. Drinking milk at night promotes 'Ojas'. Ojas is referred to as a state in Ayurveda when you achieve proper digestion.
Drinking cold milk in the night can add to your digestive troubles and discomfort, making it difficult to sleep. It is one of the best relievers for acidity that causes a burning sensation and keeps dehydration at bay.
Milk and other dairy products contain an amino acid (which help induce sleep) known as tryptophan. Milk also contains melatonin, a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. If you're stressed and can't seem to get your zzz's, a full glass of milk might be the trick to keeping that 8 hour sleep routine.
Milk contains proteins such as casein and whey that help strengthen and thicken hair. It is a rich source of calcium that promotes hair growth and prevents hair loss. Milk contains Vitamin D that helps in the growth of new hair follicles.
Drinking warm milk before bed may help you relax, but there is no evidence that milk makes you sleepy. The drowsiness some people experience may be more from the warmth of the milk or a full stomach than the physical effect of any compound in milk.
As per Ayurveda, the best time to consume milk for adults is before bedtime. As for kids, Ayurveda recommends an early morning dose of milk. Drinking milk at night promotes 'Ojas'. Ojas is referred to as a state in Ayurveda when you achieve proper digestion.
Milk and Body Weight
It fills you up quickly and provides your body with the nutrients needed for muscle growth and repair. Protein, one of its primary compounds, helps reduce body fat and boosts your metabolism. It also helps preserve lean mass while on a diet.
Milk: Not Just for Kids
As you can see, unless you are unable to drink milk because of an allergy or lactose intolerance, milk isn't just for kids. There are bountiful health benefits for adults who drink three servings a day too.