Five Bedtime Drinks to Help You Sleep Better
Here at Sleepy People, we are on hand to offer you practical advice on how to get a better night’s sleep. This begins with building a winddown routine that works for you which will help you achieve a greater sense of calm before going to sleep.
As part of this, we are often asked what the best drink before bed is. Here is our guide to our favourite sleep-inducing bedtime drinks so you can slip into a blissful slumber with ease.
1. Warm Milk
The age-old remedy to help you on your way to the land of nod is a comforting mug of warm milk. But does it actually work?
There is plenty of scientific proof to support milk as the ideal bedtime drink. Milk is particularly high in an amino acid called tryptophan. This is also present in foods high in carbohydrates which is why you often feel drowsy after a heavy meal.
Once tryptophan is consumed, it is converted into melatonin which is a natural hormone that regulates the body. Drinking milk before bed boosts our melatonin, and makes us ready to fall asleep.
2. Coconut Water
Drinking water before bed can help you feel rested. In particular, you should consider incorporating a glass of coconut water into your evening routine. Despite being perceived as an energy-boosting drink, it contains plenty of naturally occuring chemicals which can help you sleep better.
This is because coconut water is rich in potassium and magnesium, which are well known to help relax your muscles. It also contains a pinch of vitamin B which is known for helping reduce stress so you feel calm and zen by the time your head hits the pillow.
3. Banana Smoothie
Another fruit making an appearance on the list is the humble banana. If coconut water isn’t to your taste, a simple banana smoothie an hour or two before bed makes for a delicious nighttime drink.
Our Method:
- 1 medium ripe banana
- 1 cup of almond milk
- 2 tbsp of your favourite oats
- 1 tbsp of raw honey
Combine the ingredients and blend away until smooth.
Bananas are very high in potassium and magnesium which helps your muscles to relax and calm your nervous system. This is why you will often see athletes or people in training eat them shortly after exercise in order to cool down and chill out.
4. Decaffeinated Green Tea
Drinking tea before bed could keep you awake but if you opt for a decaf alternative this will help you drift off and improve your sleep quality.
Green tea contains an amino acid called theanine which has been proven to help reduce stress-related hormones and promote relaxation allowing you to switch off and simply drift away. We also recommend other sleep-promoting herbal teas including lavender and chamomile tea.
5. Malted Milk
Everyone knows that Horlicks is the perfect drink before bed. Malted milk contains a good source of vitamin B, iron, zinc, magnesium and phosphorus. This concoction of minerals helps your body relax, making it the ideal choice for helping you wind down before bed.
Enjoy yours in a Snugsie
Keep warm and cosy with your favourite bedtime drink in one of our Snugsies.
As seen on your favourite influencers including Molly Mae – a cosy night in wouldn’t be complete without one. Choose from our Oversized Hoodie, Wearable Blanket, or Giant Blanket for the ultimate snuggly companion.
Just add our self-care must-haves
Prepare for bedtime bliss with the Serenity collection by Silentnight, the UK’s most trusted sleep brand. Heavenly sleep awaits with extra special treats that will help you curate the perfect winddown routine before bed. Choose from bath oils, pillow mists, scented candles and more to find your calm.
Start your perfect winddown routine now
Of course, none of these drinks is guaranteed to put you fast asleep in minutes, but they do possess certain qualities to help you wind down and achieve a better sense of calm. This should help with your sleep quality so you can enjoy an undisturbed rest without waking up in the middle of the night.
Try combining these bedtime drinks with even more of our sleep advice right here on The Retreat by Sleepy People.