Take These Drinks Before Bedtime To Help You Get A Good Night’s Rest

Sleep deprivation has become a global concern with recent statistics showing that approximately 51% of adults around the world are not getting enough sleep. Many of them, around 80%, report they make use of their weekends to make up for lost sleep.

In the UK, the Sleep Council reports there are about 16 million adults who are suffering from lack of sleep. A third or around 31% of this number report they have insomnia while two-thirds of these adults or about 67% say they suffer from disrupted sleep. Almost a quarter or approximately 23% say they can only manage a little over four hours, but less than five hours of sleep each night.

The Importance of Sleep

Sleep is very important as it gives the body time to heal and rejuvenate itself. Sleeping also helps keep a person healthy, fit, and ready for the next day’s tasks. Enjoying sufficient rest also helps in preventing excessive weight gain, increased illness duration, and heart disease.

The amount of sleep you enjoyed also impacts your mood and ability to function when already awake. Studies have shown that those who suffer from sleep loss are often grouchy, forgetful, and have difficulty concentrating.

Like food and other basic needs, you need to get enough sleep to ensure you stay healthy and fit. With all the distractions, however, you may find it hard to get adequate sleep sometimes. Fortunately, four drinks have been proven to help you sleep better.

A Glass of Warm Milk

Drinking a glass of warm milk before bedtime is a traditional way of helping you get a good night’s rest. Calcium has been proven to aid in getting a night of restful sleep. It is also very effective in reducing stress and stabilizing nerve fibers, including those found in the brain. This is why most sleep experts recommend having a glass of warm milk before going to bed.

Herbal Tea

This beverage, sought after for its soothing effects, can also help you in getting a good night’s rest. Its calming effects, which scientists believe is caused by the flavonoid apigenin, allow your body and nerve to relax, making you sleep better. Peppermint and valerian teas are also known to provide the same calming effect and, at the same time, soothes your stomach.

Cherry Juice

Cherries have high melatonin content. Melatonin is a hormone that triggers drowsiness and sleep. The hormone is also responsible for regulating your internal clock. Try opting for tart cherries because this variety contains high amounts of melatonin. Avoid cherry juice from supermarkets as they are loaded with sugar.

Hot Cocoa

The Sleep Council also recommends drinking a cup of hot cocoa before bedtime. This beverage is particularly beneficial during the cold season as it can warm you and make you feel sleepy. Researchers say the sleeping effect is caused by tryptophan found in every unsweetened cocoa powder. To strengthen its effect, you might want to add a bit of almond milk as it also contains tryptophan.