Nightcap (drink)

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

“A Bedtime Drink” by Dutch painter Johannes Rosierse (circa 1860)

Alcoholic nightcaps and sleep
See also: Alcohol use and sleep

Traditional nightcaps include brandy, bourbon, and cream-based liqueurs such as Irish cream. Wine and beer can also function as nightcaps.[3]

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 may interfere with sleep quality.[4] But, in low doses, alcohol has sleep-promoting benefits,[1] 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]

Non-alcoholic

A nightcap was originally alcoholic, since it warms the drinker up and helps them sleep, just like the garment of the same name.[7] However, warm milk is often recommended as a nightcap for inducing sleep. It contains both tryptophan and calcium,[8] which both help induce sleep. The flavor of the warm milk can be improved by adding a small amount of liqueur or vanilla extract, which contains ~45% alcohol, which may promote sleep as well. Alternatively, honey can improve the flavor.[8] The effectiveness of warm milk for inducing sleep is disputed.[9]

In 1930, Ovaltine was advertised as "the world's best 'night-cap' to ensure sound, natural sleep".[7] An ingredient of Ovaltine is magnesium, which helps to induce relaxation.

See also

References
  1. Stone, Barbara. "Sleep and low doses of alcohol". Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology. 1980; 48: 706-709.
  2. Green, Wendy. The Greatest Guide to Slimming & Healthy Living, p. 15 (2010).
  3. 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).
  4. "Alcohol & Sleep: Nix the Nightcap?". Webmd. Retrieved 2015-11-01.
  5. “VICKS ZZZQUIL FAQ”, Vicks, accessed November 20, 2017: “ZzzQuil Calming Vanilla Cherry Liquid and ZzzQuil Warming Berry Liquid contain 10 percent alcohol. ZzzQuil LiquiCaps and ZzzQuil Alcohol Free Liquid do not contain alcohol.”
  6. Roehrs, Timothy and Roth, Thomas. “Sleep, Sleepiness, and Alcohol Use”, Alcohol Research and Health, 2001;25(2):101-9.
  7. "Overview Nightcap", Oxford Reference, Oxford University Press, accessed November 20, 2017.
  8. Green, Wendy. The Greatest Guide to Slimming & Healthy Living, p. 15 (2010).
  9. Wright, Brierly. “Six sleep myths busted”, Sun-Sentinel (June 13, 2012).
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