Nightcap (drink) explained

A nightcap is a drink taken shortly before bedtime. For example, a small alcoholic beverage or glass of warm milk can supposedly promote a good night's sleep.[1] [2]

Alcoholic nightcaps and sleep

See also: Alcohol use and sleep.

In folk medicine consuming a nightcap is for the purpose of inducing sleep. Alcohol is not recommended by many doctors as a sleep aid because it interferes with sleep quality.[3] But, in low doses, alcohol has sleep-promoting benefits,[4] and some popular sleep medicines include 10% alcohol,[5] although the effects of alcohol upon sleep can wear off somewhat after several nights of consecutive use.[6]

Nightcaps can be neat or mixed. They should not be served chilled or on the rocks, because one point is to induce a feeling of warmth. The hot toddy is usually considered the original nightcap.[7] Other traditional nightcaps include brown liquor like brandy or bourbon,[8] and cream-based liqueurs such as Irish cream. Wine, especially fortified,[9] can also function as a nightcap.[10] Since some nightcaps are made of amaro, a digestif, they are believed to also make settling into bed easier by promoting digestion.[7]

Non-alcoholic

A nightcap was originally alcoholic, since it makes the drinker feel warm and helps them sleep, just like the garment of the same name.[11] However, warm milk is often recommended as a nightcap for inducing sleep, as it contains both tryptophan and calcium.[12] The effectiveness of warm milk for inducing sleep is disputed.[13]

In 1930, Ovaltine was advertised as "the world's best 'night-cap' to ensure sound, natural sleep".

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Stone . Barbara M. . Sleep and low doses of alcohol . Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology . June 1980 . 48 . 6 . 706–709 . 10.1016/0013-4694(80)90427-7 . 6155259 .
  2. Book: Green . Wendy . Enjoy a milky nightcap . 151 . https://books.google.com/books?id=cnt3shld7zAC&pg=PA151 . The Greatest Guide to Slimming & Healthy Living . 2011 . Greatest Guides . 978-1-907906-00-8 .
  3. Web site: Alcohol & Sleep: Nix the Nightcap? . . 2015-11-01.
  4. Stein . Michael D. . Friedmann . Peter D. . Disturbed Sleep and Its Relationship to Alcohol Use . Substance Abuse . March 2005 . 26 . 1 . 1–13 . 10.1300/j465v26n01_01 . 16492658 . 2775419 .
  5. https://vicks.com/en-us/safety-and-faqs/faqs/vicks-zzzquil-faq “VICKS ZZZQUIL FAQ”
  6. Roehrs . Timothy . Roth . Thomas . Sleep, Sleepiness, and Alcohol Use . Alcohol Research & Health . 2001 . 25 . 2 . 101–109 . 11584549 . 6707127 .
  7. Web site: The 5 Best Nightcap Cocktails To End the Day Right . Stock . Mark . The Manual . October 10, 2021 . 1 December 2022 .
  8. Web site: 5 Great Nightcaps – Ending The Best Night Of Your Life. . Kiss Mattress . 1 December 2022 .
  9. Web site: Five Nightcap Cocktails to End the Day Right . Newman . Kara . Wine Enthusiast . 1 December 2022 .
  10. Gaines, Jordan. “A night cap may get you to sleep, but studies show it will also make you sleep less well”, Washington Post (December 2, 2013).
  11. http://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803100234475 "Overview Nightcap"
  12. Green, Wendy. The Greatest Guide to Slimming & Healthy Living, p. 15 (2010).
  13. Wright, Brierly. “Six sleep myths busted”, Sun-Sentinel (June 13, 2012).

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