Why You Should Drink Warm Milk Before Bed

A balanced diet is incomplete without milk. Many people drink milk in the morning, while others prefer to have it before bed. There’s often confusion about the best time to drink milk to maximize its benefits. Drinking milk at the right time can help you get the full nutritional value it offers.

Drinking Milk Before Bed
It’s common to drink warm milk before going to bed, especially for those who have trouble sleeping. Milk contains tryptophan and melatonin, both of which aid in sleep. Tryptophan helps release serotonin, which calms the nerves, reduces anxiety, and helps induce sleep. Melatonin regulates the body's internal clock and controls the sleep cycle. Additionally, warm milk soothes the nervous system, promoting quicker and deeper sleep.

Warm or Cold: What's Better? More Information
Drinking milk in the morning or afternoon: If you want to lose weight but still gain the nutritional benefits of milk, it's better to drink it in the morning or afternoon. Milk contains around 120 calories, and drinking it just before bed means the body doesn't burn those calories, potentially leading to weight gain. Milk is rich in nutrients like calcium, iron, and vitamins. Drinking it after a morning or afternoon walk or light exercise helps you stay fit while receiving proper nutrition.

For Diabetic Patients
Milk contains lactose, which is a form of sugar. Some believe that drinking milk might raise blood glucose levels. However, as a source of protein and calcium, one cup of milk can be safely consumed by diabetic patients. Additionally, sugar- and fat-free milk, known as diabetic milk, is also available.

Mixing Fruits Like Bananas or Mangoes with Milk
Many people mix bananas, almonds, or mangoes with milk. However, studies suggest that this combination can cause digestion issues. Mixing such fruits with milk can also increase blood sugar levels, so it's best to avoid this practice.

Adding Water to Milk
People with high cholesterol or diabetes often mix water with milk. However, adding water dilutes the milk's nutritional value. If you prefer fat-free milk, it’s better to remove the cream layer from the top and drink it.

For Children Drinking Cow or Goat Milk
Children under the age of two should not consume cow or goat milk. These contain higher levels of protein and fat, which are difficult for a child’s digestive system to process and can lead to complications like gastrointestinal bleeding or kidney failure.

For the first six months, nothing can replace mother's milk. Additionally, any leftover milk should not be refrigerated or reheated, as it loses its nutritional value and may become prone to contamination.