Milk bottle warmer from 1946, used to make warm milk

Warm milk is milk that has been heated, either using a stove or a microwave. It is commonly used as a nightcap for children and people who abstain from alcohol.[1] Its effectiveness as such is disputed.[2]

As a nightcap

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Warm milk is commonly touted as a sleep aid for those who don't drink alcohol, such as children and those abstaining for religious reasons. Many people do not like the taste compared to cold milk. It is common for these people to add honey or vanilla,[3] though vanilla extract contains about 45% alcohol. The reason for its recommendation is that it contains tryptophan, which the body uses to make melatonin, and calcium.[1] However, tryptophan does not cross the brain-blood barrier without carbohydrates, which is recommended not to eat before bed.[1] Some experts say that warm milk doesn't actually make you sleepy, it only helps you relax.[2]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Does Warm Milk Really Help You Sleep Better? | Sleep Advisor". The Sleep Advisor. 2020-01-08. Retrieved 2020-03-16.
  2. ^ a b www.google.com https://uamshealth.com/medical-myths/will-drinking-warm-milk-make-you-sleepy/. Retrieved 2020-03-16. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  3. ^ "Sleep induction", Wikipedia, 2020-03-16, retrieved 2020-03-16