: Is there a reason as to why people believe that “warm milk is supposed to make you sleepy?”

Question

I’ve heard it as being a traditional method to help kids (or adults, not judging) go to sleep, but is there a reason why? Where and when did this thought come from? And is it true? Is there a chemical reaction that occurs that gives off a sleepy effect when ingesting milk heated to a certain temperature? I’ve wondered this for years

In: Biology

Answer 1

Warm milk is the first thing we as humans consume. When we drink warm milk as adults, our ancient monkey brains connect with the peaceful contentment we felt as an infant cradled in our mother’s arms. Theoretically.