With the weather now starting to get colder and the nights drawing in, it can be tempting to reach for a comforting, hot drink before bed. Here's our guide on which hot drinks can actually help you sleep...
Warm Milk
Just like you Nana use to make! It's been used for years a pre-bedtime drink and with good reason.
Milk contains significant amounts of the amino acid tryptophan. Once tryptophan is consumed, it's converted to the natural hormone melatonin in the body. This helps to regulate our natural sleep state. A cup of warm milk is scientifically proven to help you sleep better.
Almond Milk
If you're not a fan of dairy you can always try Almond Milk as an alternative. Almond milk contains serotonin, which according to studies can help to initiate sleep. Almond milk is also particularly high in magnesium, which is another important nutrient that can improve sleep quality.
Malted Milk
Whether it's the classic British option Horlicks, or products like Ovaltine and similar store-brand offerings, this nighttime beverage is a great sleep aid for those in favor of warm, milky drinks. Malted milk contains plenty of vitamin B, zinc, iron, phosphorous, and magnesium — a blend of minerals that's perfect for helping you relax before bedtime.
Decaffeinated Green Tea
Green tea contains the amino acid known as theanine which is proven to reduce stress. But make sure you opt for caffeine free green tea, as caffeine and sleep do not go well together.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea, like warm milk, is another bed time drink which has been used for many years. Chamomile is recommend to help calm and sooth people, and it is naturally caffeine free.
Lemon Balm Tea
Lemon balm is a great natural remedy to sleep. You can even make your own. Washing about 10 lemon balm leaves and adding them to your teapot with boiling water. Let the lot steep for about five minutes before adding a spoonful of honey and drinking it while it's hot.
