5 reasons why milk is still the ideal bedtime snack, from a dietitian

Ask any mama what tops the priority list, and a good night’s sleep is up there. We all know how important rest is for physical, mental and emotional well-being. And while winding down with a warm glass of milk before bed might seem too simple to work, there’s actually some truth behind this age-old remedy.

Milk remains a top choice for a bedtime snack, especially for children. It’s full of nutrients, too, making it a smart choice for promoting rest and relaxation. Here are five reasons why the new Organic Valley^® Family First™ milk is an ideal bedtime snack, from a dietitian’s perspective.

5 ways milk before bed helps promote good rest

1.   Warm milk before bed creates a soothing ritual to support sleep

New baby advice tells us that the right bedtime routine can make all the difference, as it acts like a signal to your brain that it’s time to wind down. That guidance still stands from childhood all the way through adulthood. The ritual of sipping a warm glass of milk before bed can be a comforting habit that relaxes the nervous system as you unwind and prepare for restful sleep.

You can also feel good knowing that Organic Valley^® Family First™ milk comes from sustainable farms, is non-GMO, and has no added antibiotics or hormones.

2.   Protein in milk before bed keeps blood sugar balanced and may support better rest

A protein snack before bed could be a game-changer to keep blood sugar levels steady and your appetite stable. If you usually have a snack before bed, try a glass of milk a couple of hours before you hit the hay, say, before brushing your kiddos’ teeth, to see if it helps with your sleep.

3.   Milk contains essential nutrients for growth and development

Milk is a good source of protein, healthy fats, calcium, B vitamins and vitamin D. All of these nutrients are essential for normal, healthy growth and development─from brains to bones─making milk an important part of a healthy diet for kids and adults alike. 

The new Organic Valley^® Family First™ milk also contains 50 mg of DHA Omega 3 to support brain health. 

4.   Milk supports a healthy metabolism

Some parents might worry that drinking milk before bed could lead to weight gain. But drinking a glass of milk before bed could help with muscle recovery and support normal metabolic rate (how many calories you burn at rest) while you sleep. As part of a balanced diet, drinking milk could be a simple way to support your body’s recovery and metabolic function as you sleep, which is great for kids and adults alike.

5.   Milk contains tryptophan

Tryptophan (the amino acid infamously responsible for the post-Thanksgiving meal nap) is needed to make neurotransmitters and hormones that control sleep and wake cycles. Your body uses tryptophan to produce serotonin, a feel-good neurotransmitter that impacts mood and yes, sleep. Serotonin is further converted into melatonin as your body prepares for rest.

More recent research has also found that milk contains peptides (tiny protein molecules) that may help relieve occasional stress and support normal sleep (though we need more human studies on this).

Other sources of tryptophan include turkey, chicken, eggs, fish, cheese, and nuts. But a glass of the new Organic Valley^® Family First™ milk is a simple and easy way to get your tryptophan fix before bed.

No magic wand guarantees a good night’s sleep, but sometimes the simplest tools work best. If you or the kids struggle to get quality shut-eye, try adding milk to your bedtime routine. The benefits are plentiful, and it’s a nourishing, tasty way to end your day.