: 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

I believe your body does a cool down when it’s time to sleep naturally, so warm anything (like warm milk or even a bath) brings your temp up, and as it falls you help trick your brain into feeling like its bed time.