is it a bad idea to drink milk (warm) before bed time?

Question

if I give it 45 mins, then will it be OK, Of course I'll go to the bathroom:) Then go to bed, I ask cause I may have insomnia

Answer 1

Lack of sleep is the single most overlooked health problem in the country and it's only getting worse. Many Americans are chronically sleep deprived. Over time this impairs memory, well-being and even endangers life — as evidenced by the more than 100,000 car crashes attributed to fatigue each year.

A protein naturally found in milk may improve sleep quality and next day alertness, according to
a new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Milk contains a protein alpha-lactalbumin, rich in tryptophan, that tells the brain to sleep. Plus you wake up feeling rested the next morning, without the side effects that often come with sleep-inducing drugs.

Milk's sleep-inducing properties have been documented for centuries. Dating back to 1500 BC, the oldest medical text — which forms the basis of Indian Ayurvedic medicine — advises poor sleepers to drink a glass of milk before bed.

An estimated 126 million adult Americans regularly experience symptoms of insomnia. Sleep deprivation is a rampant problem among teens, and has been shown to cause difficulties in school, including disciplinary problems, sleepiness in class and poor concentration.

The good news is that relief may be found in the refrigerator, not the medicine cabinet. At bedtime try drinking milk instead of taking a pill. It doesn't have to be a glass of white milk. Flavored milk, hot chocolate or a bowl of cereal all work.

More Information
Sleep Deprivation May be Undermining Teen Health

Read the press release
Got Sleep? Study Finds Milk Protein Improves Shuteye

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Have a Glass of Milk Before Bedtime
2005-03-15
As part of Your Health Matters program, a tip of the week is published to give employees information on managing stress, eating properly, exercising safely and, in general, living a healthy life.

This Week’s Tip: Eat Before you Sleep

A few simple, small changes to your diet may make a dramatic difference in the quantity and quality of your sleep. Avoiding certain items before bedtime can help minimize sleep disturbances, whereas certain other foods may help promote sleep. Sometimes a light snack can improve your shuteye, as long as you keep portion sizes small. Try one of these sleep-friendly items about an hour before bedtime:

· A glass of milk contains L-tryptophan, an amino acid that is a natural sleep inducer.

· Whole-wheat toast and jam is a high carbohydrate snack. Carbohydrates may increase sleepiness and strengthen rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.

· Almonds are rich in magnesium. Magnesium deficiencies can contribute to sleep troubles. Stock up on magnesium-rich foods including pinto beans, navy beans, pumpkin seeds, wheat germ, and spinach.

· Bananas may boast serotonin levels. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter with sleep-promoting properties.

And think twice before you consume. Even in small amounts, caffeine can affect how well you sleep. It can stay in your system for up to 12 hours, so it's best to avoid any caffeine-containing foods and drinks after lunchtime.

Drinking alcohol right before you hop into bed may help you to fall asleep, but alcohol keeps you in the lighter stages of sleep, depriving you of beneficial deep sleep and REM sleep. It also can increase the number of times you awaken during the night. Having a drink with dinner is fine, but avoid alcohol within two hours of bedtime.

Answer 2

Well here's the thing; Doctors always say don't eat anything 3 hours before bedtime...

BUT

people have been drinking warm milk for YEARS to help fall asleep and it seems to work pretty good. I recommend adding a little honey to it...don't know why that works but it just does.

If you have insomnia, see a doctor.

Answer 3

I used to do that as a kid before bed and in the morning. Drinking warm milk can help you fall asleep quicker, and I don't think it's a bad idea.

Answer 4

a chemical called tryptophan is in milk and can help some people sleep. warming the milk has a soothing effect on the body too. as long as you're not lactose intolerant or allergic to milk i see no problem . sweet dreams

Answer 5

No not all. In fact it is a very good habit to get into- it will allow the free radicals in your system to regenerate. This happens automatically when we sleep. You don't have to wait 45 minutes unless it hasn't kicked in with the tryptophan, which is the same chemical released after eating turkey.

Answer 6

Taking a hot bath will make you tired and weak, also exersizing will too. I have a pill called zyprexa, it can KNOCK YOU OUT!!! with just one it makes a person VERY sleppy. It is taken for depression. I believe that warm milk wont hurt but then again I dont ever drink milk, only if it is with my cereal.

Answer 7

Nothing wrong with drinking warm milk before bed.........

Answer 8

Milk has typtophan in it that is a mild tranquilizer. Also, white chicken meat has tryptophan.