Are you tired of counting sheep and still struggling to fall asleep?
Maybe it’s time to switch up your bedtime routine and try a warm cup of oat milk.
This dairy-free alternative has been gaining popularity in recent years, not just for its taste but also for its potential sleep-inducing properties.
But does oat milk really make you sleepy?
In this article, we’ll explore the science behind oat milk and its effects on sleep, as well as share some delicious recipes to help you unwind before bed.
So grab a cozy blanket and let’s dive in!
Does Oat Milk Make You Sleepy?
Oat milk is a plant-based milk alternative that is made from oats and water. It is a rich source of nutrients such as fiber, calcium, iron, and magnesium. But what makes oat milk potentially sleep-inducing is its high content of tryptophan, an amino acid that is known to promote the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep.
Melatonin is naturally produced by the body in response to darkness and helps to regulate our sleep-wake cycle. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that the body cannot produce on its own and must be obtained through diet. It is found in high amounts in foods such as dairy milk, eggs, turkey, and nuts.
Studies have shown that consuming foods high in tryptophan can increase the production of melatonin and improve sleep quality. This is why having a warm glass of milk before bed has been a popular bedtime ritual for many years.
While dairy milk is a common source of tryptophan, oat milk is also a great alternative for those who are lactose intolerant or follow a vegan diet. Oat milk contains similar levels of tryptophan as dairy milk, making it a suitable option for those looking to improve their sleep quality.
The Science Behind Oat Milk And Sleep
The science behind oat milk and sleep lies in the high content of tryptophan found in both oat milk and dairy milk. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that is converted into serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and sleep. Serotonin is then converted into melatonin, the hormone that signals our bodies to sleep.
Studies have shown that consuming foods high in tryptophan can increase the production of melatonin and improve sleep quality. This is why having a warm glass of milk before bed has been a popular bedtime ritual for many years.
Oat milk is a great alternative for those who are lactose intolerant or follow a vegan diet. Oat milk contains similar levels of tryptophan as dairy milk, making it a suitable option for those looking to improve their sleep quality.
In addition to tryptophan, oat milk also contains carbohydrates, which can help increase insulin levels in the body. This increase in insulin can help tryptophan enter the brain more easily, promoting the production of melatonin and improving sleep quality.
How Oat Milk Can Help You Sleep Better
Oat milk is brimming with tryptophan, a nutrient that increases melatonin production and can help you sleep better. In fact, a 2020 study found that drinking milk, including some milk alternatives like oat milk, can help with sleep.
Oat milk is also a good source of protein, which can keep you feeling full and prevent any after-dinner snacking that can disrupt your sleep. Additionally, oat milk is rich in fiber, which has been shown to improve sleep quality and reduce the risk of insomnia.
To make a dreamy bedtime drink with oat milk, simply blend it together with calming rose water and a little pinch of warming spices. This soothing dairy-free rose milk is a perfect lullaby tonic that can help you relax and unwind before bed.
Another popular bedtime drink is moon milk, an insomnia-fighter drink for adults that is served warm before bed. Moon milk is typically made with natural herbs and spices and can be sweetened with agave syrup. Oat milk is a common ingredient in moon milk recipes, making it a great choice for those looking to improve their sleep quality.
Oat Milk Vs. Other Sleep Aids: Which Is Better?
When it comes to sleep aids, there are many options available in the market. From herbal teas to over-the-counter medications, people often turn to these remedies to improve their sleep quality. However, oat milk stands out as a natural and effective alternative to these sleep aids.
Unlike other sleep aids, oat milk is a natural source of tryptophan and melatonin. This means that it does not contain any artificial ingredients or chemicals that can have negative side effects on the body. Additionally, oat milk is easily accessible and affordable, making it a convenient option for those looking to improve their sleep quality.
Comparing oat milk to other popular sleep aids such as melatonin supplements or prescription sleeping pills, oat milk has the added benefit of being a whole food. This means that it contains other essential nutrients such as fiber, calcium, and iron that can contribute to overall health and well-being.
Furthermore, oat milk is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes such as smoothies, lattes, and baked goods. This makes it an enjoyable and tasty way to incorporate a natural sleep aid into your daily routine.
Delicious Oat Milk Recipes For A Good Night’s Sleep
If you’re looking for delicious and nutritious ways to incorporate oat milk into your bedtime routine, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some recipes that are sure to help you relax and get a good night’s sleep:
1. Rose Milk: This soothing dairy-free rose milk is a perfect lullaby tonic. Simply blend oat milk together with calming rose water and a little pinch of warming spices for a dreamy bedtime drink. Oat milk contains tryptophan – a sleep supporting amino acid – and has a bit of protein that can keep you feeling full and prevent any after-dinner snacking.
2. Golden Milk Latte: Made with turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and healthy fats, this bulletproof bedtime golden milk latte is the perfect relaxing remedy for winding down at night. Delicious, easy to make, and paleo and vegan, this recipe is boosted with an extra dose of healthy fats to help you fall and stay asleep.
3. Chamomile Prebiotic Drink: Your gut loves inulin, a wonderful prebiotic that feeds the gut – and a happy gut means a well-functioning body – and much better sleep. Combine it with soothing oat milk and calming chamomile to depress the central nervous system – with a hint of vanilla for comfort. Chamomile is frequently used as a mild sedative to calm nerves and reduce anxiety and to treat insomnia and other sleep problems.
Tips For Incorporating Oat Milk Into Your Bedtime Routine
If you’re looking to incorporate oat milk into your bedtime routine to improve your sleep quality, here are some tips to get you started:
1. Try a warm glass of oat milk before bed: Heat up a cup of oat milk and sip it slowly before bed. The warmth of the drink can help relax your body and the tryptophan in the oat milk can promote the production of melatonin.
2. Add some rose water and spices: You can make your oat milk even more sleep-inducing by adding a little bit of rose water and warming spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. Simply blend the ingredients together for a dreamy bedtime drink.
3. Make a moon milk: Moon milk is a trendy bedtime drink that combines milk with herbs and spices to create a soothing and relaxing drink. You can make your own moon milk using oat milk as the base and adding herbs like ashwagandha or reishi for added relaxation benefits.
4. Use oat milk in your bedtime snack: If you tend to get hungry before bed, try having a small snack that includes oat milk. You could have a bowl of oatmeal made with oat milk or blend up a smoothie with oat milk and some sleep-promoting ingredients like banana or almond butter.
Incorporating oat milk into your bedtime routine is a simple and delicious way to improve your sleep quality. With its high content of tryptophan, oat milk can help promote the production of melatonin and help you feel more relaxed before bed. Experiment with different ways to enjoy oat milk at night and find what works best for you.
