Last Updated on October 21, 2022 by theworldofsleepstaff
It’s no secret that almond milk is packed with nutrients that are great for your health. But did you know that drinking almond milk before bed can help you sleep better?
That’s because almond milk is a good source of tryptophan, an amino acid that helps the body produce serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in regulating sleep.
We explain all here, as well as show you why adding almond milk before bed to your evening routine could do more than just help you sleep better. Let’s dive in!
Note: This article is informational and does not constitute medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your doctor or qualified healthcare professional before beginning any new treatment program.
Is Almond Milk Good For Sleep?
Almond milk is dairy-free milk made from whole almonds. It’s a popular plant-based milk alternative that is rich in nutrients and low in calories. Almond milk has many health benefits, including being a good source of vitamin E, magnesium, and calcium. It’s also lactose-free and doesn’t contain any cholesterol.
Yet while almond milk is lower in calories than cow’s milk, it still contains some natural sugars. So if you’re watching your weight or trying to cut down on sugar, you may want to limit your intake of almond milk before bed.
Overall though, almond milk is a great way to help you sleep better. The protein and healthy fats will keep you full and satisfied, while the calcium and magnesium can promote muscle relaxation. Plus it’s a good source of tryptophan that plays a role in sleep.
Recommended: 30 Tips On How To Get Better Sleep Naturally
Almond Milk Before Bed: Pros And Cons
If you’re looking for a way to get better sleep, almond milk before bed may be worth a try. Remember to check with your doctor first to ensure it’s right for you.
Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros Of Almond Milk Before Bed:
1. Almond Milk Is A Good Source Of Tryptophan
Almond milk is an excellent source of tryptophan, an amino acid that’s responsible for making us feel sleepy. First, tryptophan is converted into serotonin, then melatonin—the hormone that regulates our sleep-wake cycle.
But one key factor that makes almond milk an even more effective sleep aid is its high magnesium content. Magnesium is a natural relaxant that can help to ease muscle tension and promote a restful night’s sleep.
Many people who have trouble sleeping find that drinking almond milk before bed helps them sleep better.
2. Almond Milk Is High In Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral known to relax the body and promote sleep. Conversely, studies show that magnesium deficiency can lead to insomnia.
Almond milk is a good source of magnesium, as mentioned previously, so drinking it before bed may help you sleep better.
The good thing about almond milk is that it’s also low in calories, so you don’t have to worry about gaining weight from drinking it before bed.
3. Almond Milk Is Lactose-Free
For lactose intolerant people, almond milk is an excellent alternative to cow’s milk. It doesn’t contain any lactose, so you can drink it without having to worry about experiencing symptoms like bloating, gas, and diarrhoea.
Nowadays, many places like coffee shops even have almond milk as an alternative to cow’s milk.
4. Nutritious
Almond milk is a good source of vitamins and minerals like calcium, E, and magnesium. It’s also low in calories and fat, making it a good choice for people watching their weight.
Plus, it’s free of cholesterol and saturated fat, which are linked to heart disease.
5. Easy To Make At Home
If you want to control what goes into your almond milk, you can easily make it at home with just a few ingredients.
All you need is almonds, water, and a blender. You can also add sweeteners like honey or maple syrup to taste.
Cons Of Almond Milk Before Bed:
While almond milk has some benefits before bed, there are also a few potential drawbacks.
1. Almond Milk May Contain Added Sugars
Some brands of almond milk contain added sugars, which can be detrimental to your health if consumed in excess.
When buying almond milk, be sure to read the labels carefully. Some brands of almond milk contain added sugars, artificial flavours, and other ingredients you may not want to consume.
2. Almond Milk May Not Be Suitable For People With Nut Allergies
If you have a nut allergy, almond milk is not a good choice.
Even if you don’t have a nut allergy, checking with your doctor before consuming any new food or drink is always best. This is especially important if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
3. Almond Milk May Not Be As Nutritious As Cow’s Milk
While almond milk does have some nutritional benefits, it’s not as nutrient-dense as cow’s milk.
Cow’s milk is a good source of protein, calcium, and vitamin D. Almond milk is lower in protein and doesn’t contain any vitamin D.
So, if you’re looking for a drink rich in nutrients, cow’s milk is better than almond milk.
4. Almond Milk May Contain Unhealthy Fats
While almond milk does contain some healthy fats, it also contains unhealthy saturated fats.
If you’re trying to watch your saturated fat intake, you may want to choose a different type of milk. Soy milk, for example, is lower in saturated fat than almond milk.
5. It May Contain Additives
As we mentioned earlier, some brands of almond milk contain added sugars and other ingredients you may not want to consume.
When buying almond milk, be sure to read the labels carefully. Some almond milk brands contain additives you may not want to consume.
What Is The Best Time To Drink Almond Milk?
The best time to drink almond milk is about an hour before bedtime. This will give your body enough time to digest the nutrients and help you sleep through the night.
If you’re still waking up in the middle of the night, try drinking a glass of almond milk with a small snack before bed. This will help keep your blood sugar levels stable and prevent you from waking up in the middle of the night.
How to Use Almond Milk for Sleep?
There are many ways to incorporate almond milk into your nightly routine to help you get a good night’s sleep.
1. Drink a Glass of Almond Milk Before Bed
Before bed, a glass of almond milk can help you relax and fall asleep more easily. The magnesium in almond milk helps to promote sleep by relaxing the muscles and nerves. The calcium in almond milk also promotes sleep by helping the brain to produce melatonin, a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle.
2. Add Almond Milk to Your Bedtime Tea
Adding a splash of almond milk to your favourite herbal tea can help you wind down before bed and promote sleep. Chamomile, lavender, and lemon balm tea are all excellent choices for bedtime.
3. Make a Warm Almond Milk Bedtime Drink
A warm glass of almond milk before bed can be incredibly soothing. To make a warm almond milk drink, heat a cup of almond milk in the microwave or stove. You can add a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract for extra flavour.
4. Use Almond Milk in Place of Dairy in Your Favorite Recipes
Many recipes call for dairy milk, but you can easily substitute almond milk. This includes recipes for pancakes, waffles, smoothies, oatmeal, and more.
FAQs
Q: How much almond milk should I drink before bed?
A: There’s no set amount of almond milk that you should drink before bed. Just drink a glass or two to help you relax and fall asleep more easily.
Q: Can I have almond milk if I’m lactose intolerant?
A: Yes, almond milk is an excellent alternative for people who are lactose intolerant. It’s also lower in calories and fat than cow’s milk.
Q: Is unsweetened almond milk good before bed?
A: Unsweetened almond milk is just as good before bed as the sweetened variety. Just be sure to check the labels to make sure there’s no added sugar.
Q: Can I have other types of milk before bed?
A: Yes, you can drink any milk before bed. Just remember that almond milk is an excellent choice because it’s lower in calories and fat than cow’s milk.
Almond milk before bed: oUR Final Thoughts
Drinking almond milk before bed can be a helpful way to get better sleep. Just remember to check with your doctor first and be sure to choose a brand that doesn’t contain any added sugars.
If you have a nut allergy, almond milk is not a good choice. And if you’re looking for a nutrient-dense drink, cow’s milk is better than almond milk.