Many people have a favorite treatment for falling asleep, such as hot decaffeinated tea or taking melatonin supplements. According to Joyce a. walsleben and Rita Baron faust, drinks containing warm milk and cinnamon are another well-known family therapy for insomnia, the author of the Sleep Guide for Women. Scientific support is limited for the effectiveness of milk in helping people sleep. However, studies have shown that cinnamon increases alertness rather than fatigue.
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Milk and Sleep
Milk contains an amino acid called tryptophan, which turns into serum amine in the body. Serotonin helps regulate sleep. However, some studies, including one published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2003, have shown that although milk does contain tryptophan, protein in milk may prevent tryptophan from entering the brain. In order for tryptophan to effectively cause sleep, it must be used in combination with low-protein and high-carbohydrate foods.
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Cinnamon and Milk
Although this study disagrees on whether tryptophan in milk makes you drowsy, and cinnamon may make you more alert, it does show that these ingredients may not physically cause you to fall asleep. However, according to anahad O & 39; Connor of the New York Times, if you find cinnamon and milk before bed as a soothing drink and part of your bedtime habits, then cinnamon and milk may be a psychologically beneficial sleep aid.
Other natural sleep aids
If you are interested in natural sleep aids, several supplements may be helpful. One is to mix nutmeg with milk. According to Richard Leviton, author of Brain Builder, a pinch of nutmeg may act as a natural relaxant! & In addition, taking melatonin supplements can help you fall asleep faster. Valerian roots or chamomile can also help you fall asleep and may be an effective treatment for insomnia. Before you start taking any dietary supplements to promote sleep, consult your doctor because some therapies may interact with prescription drugs or have side effects.
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