Often people claim that specific drinks help sleep. I’m a fan of a rooibos tea or simple hot chocolate. It’s not a magic bullet, but can help satisfy and work as part of the pre-bedtime ritual that helps me to get a good night.
Some drinks though claim to be specifically formulated to help sleep and use specific additives for that goal, for a detailed analysis, take a look here.
But to keep it short, the following are some popular additives:
Melatonin
” You’ve definitely heard of melatonin, a hormone that’s actually produced in the central nervous system. “Melatonin plays a vital role in controlling the body’s circadian rhythm, or internal clock,” explains Madelyn Rosenthal, M.D., a sleep medicine fellow at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. “
Valerian
” And valerian, usually taken as an extract from the root of the valerian plant, has become one of the most common self-prescribed insomnia treatments in the U.S., Rosenthal says. “The exact mechanism of action remains unknown, although studies using mice models suggest valerian inhibits the breakdown of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which induces sedation.” “
L-theanine
” One study among elderly people who suffer from insomnia found that magnesium may increase sleep time and reduce early-morning waking. Another found L-theanine, an amino acid found primarily in the green tea plant, could have anti-stress effects, which might promote sleep, too. “
But often these ingredients are used without careful oversight and often contain other additives, like sugar. Take a look at whatever you’re interested in, and check that there are no hidden risks.
Whatever pre-sleep drink you use, whether something full of sleep aiding chemicals, or a simple herbal tea, make sure to listen to Sleepy Time Tales when the lights go out. 🙂