The biggest challenge of our time is to fall asleep on time and get a proper sleep of eight hours. Yet, how many of us do actually achieve this feat?
With all the distractions in our way, like binging Netflix and endless scrolling of Instagram, it is hard to get some shuteye. Before we realize, it’s already 3 AM! And then we grab the bits and pieces of sleep we can get, wake up in morning with groggy eyes, full of resentment.
The blessed caffeine gets us through the day, and by the time we reach our beds, it’s the same routine all over again – tossing and turning, being unable to sleep, broken and restless sleep.
Well, we are here to save the day (and the night), with these amazing beverage ideas that are simple and easy to make, and will have you lulled to sleep in no time.
1. Hot Cocoa
Mayans invented the cocoa drink and it has been loved by everyone ever since. They had the ritual of drinking cocoa before going to bed, and although it was cold and spicy, it still worked wonders. The art of drinking cocoa has been improved and perfected now, and now we know that drinking hot cocoa before sleep soothes and calms the body due to its antioxidant properties.
2. Warm Milk
Ah, the good old milk! It is no secret why parents have put their children to sleep with a night-time glass of warm milk since forever. Milk contains tryptophan, which our body turns into melatonin, the sleep-inducing hormone. Apart from that, milk is a wholesome and filling drink that relaxes the mind for a better sleep.
3. Tart Cherry Juice
Cherry juice is one of the most effective drinks for optimal sleeping, according a study in the Medical Food Journal. The study says that having a cup of tart cherry juice in morning and another cup an hour before sleep can significantly decrease insomnia and regulate your sleep cycle. Cherry contains melatonin that helps in better sleeping.
4. Moon Milk
An ancient Ayurvedic concoction that has soothing and healing properties. Moon milk contains turmeric, Indian ginseng, almonds, nutmeg, black pepper, ashwagandha, and cinnamon – whose antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties help in relaxing and repairing the body. Basically, just a magical golden healing potion that can be prepared in less than ten minutes!
5. Banana Smoothie
Banana is a great source of minerals like potassium and magnesium, which help in muscle relaxation and deeper sleep. Having a smoothie of a small banana with almond milk or regular milk will give you a wholesome and calming feel.
6. Coconut Water
Loaded with minerals and vitamin B, coconut water is a perfect drink that lowers stress, relaxes your muscles and soothes the stomach. Plus, coconut water is low in calorie count but high on nutritional value, so it keeps you feeling filled and content throughout the night.
7. Decaffeinated Green Tea
Green tea comes with theanine, an amino acid that reduces stress and promotes better sleep. However, regular green tea comes with caffeine so please ensure that your bedtime cup of green tea is decaffeinated.
8. Peppermint Tea
Arguably the most suitable type of tea to drink before sleep, peppermint tea deserves its well-earned reputation. Its distinct taste and smell are known to help in stress while its mineral properties boost your immune system. Peppermint also soothes the stomach ailments such as indigestion and acidity, helping you achieve a restful and undisturbed sleep.
9. Chamomile Tea
Because it’s naturally caffeine-free, Chamomile tea is most apt as a bedtime beverage. Having Chamomile tea half an hour before bed helps calm the nerves, settles stomach, and relaxes the body. It comes with natural sugars and has a gentle flavour, so you don’t need to add any extra sugar in it. For best results, combine with lavender that induces slow-wave sleep.
Featured Image Courtesy: DINE Magazine
Where can I get the recipient using ingredients you mentioned for moon milk as brought ingredients first but now can’t find recipie using all the same ingredients you mention . I’m desperate to try it as only thing on this list I have not tried. Have had terrible trouble sleeping for 6 yrs even sleeping tablets from doctor not helped.
Hi Lorraine,
It’s not necessary to use all the ingredients, you can just use turmeric, cinnamon and dried ginger if you cannot find other ingredients. I hope this helps you get some good sleep. You can also consider changing your room, or the decor of your room, or getting a different bed, or sleeping in a different place – if you haven’t already. Thank you so much for reaching out, I truly and sincerely hope you’ll have a blissful sleep tonight.
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