Nightcap (drink): Difference between revisions
Content deleted Content added
m Disambiguated: valerian → valerian (herb) |
GreenC bot (talk | contribs) Rescued 1 archive link. Wayback Medic 2.5 per WP:URLREQ#articles.sun-sentinel.com |
||
| (46 intermediate revisions by 24 users not shown) | |||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{Short description|Drink taken shortly before bedtime}} |
|||
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2022}} |
|||
{{Other uses|Nightcap (disambiguation){{!}}Nightcap}} |
{{Other uses|Nightcap (disambiguation){{!}}Nightcap}} |
||
[[File:Rosierse Bedtime drink.jpg|thumb| |
[[File:Rosierse Bedtime drink.jpg|thumb|''A Bedtime Drink'' by Dutch painter Johannes Rosierse ({{c.|1860|lk=no}})]] |
||
A '''nightcap''' is a drink taken shortly before |
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]].<ref name=Stone>{{cite journal |last1=Stone |first1=Barbara M. |title=Sleep and low doses of alcohol |journal=Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology |date=June 1980 |volume=48 |issue=6 |pages=706–709 |doi=10.1016/0013-4694(80)90427-7 |pmid=6155259 }}</ref><ref name=Green>{{cite book |last1=Green |first1=Wendy |chapter=Enjoy a milky nightcap |page=151 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cnt3shld7zAC&pg=PA151 |title=The Greatest Guide to Slimming & Healthy Living |date=2011 |publisher=Greatest Guides |isbn=978-1-907906-00-8 }}</ref> |
||
==Alcoholic nightcaps and sleep== |
==Alcoholic nightcaps and sleep== |
||
{{ |
{{See also|Alcohol use and sleep}} |
||
[[Traditional]] nightcaps include [[brandy]], [[bourbon whiskey|bourbon]], and cream-based [[liqueurs]] such as [[Irish cream]]. [[Wine]] and [[beer]] can also function as nightcaps.<ref>Gaines, Jordan. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/a-night-cap-may-get-you-to-sleep-but-studies-show-it-will-also-make-you-sleep-less-well/2013/12/02/a126dc6c-56f9-11e3-8304-caf30787c0a9_story.html “A night cap may get you to sleep, but studies show it will also make you sleep less well”], ''[[Washington Post]]'' (December 2, 2013).</ref> |
|||
In [[folk medicine]] |
In [[folk medicine]] consuming a nightcap is for the purpose of [[Sleep induction#Alcohol|inducing sleep]]. [[Alcohol (drug)|Alcohol]] is not recommended by many [[Physician|doctors]] as a [[sleep aid]] because it [[Ethanol use and sleep#Alcohol consumption and sleep improvements|interferes with sleep quality]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/features/nix-nightcap-better-sleep |title=Alcohol & Sleep: Nix the Nightcap? |publisher=[[Webmd]] |access-date=2015-11-01}}</ref> But, in low doses, alcohol has sleep-promoting benefits,<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Stein |first1=Michael D. |last2=Friedmann |first2=Peter D. |title=Disturbed Sleep and Its Relationship to Alcohol Use |journal=Substance Abuse |date=March 2005 |volume=26 |issue=1 |pages=1–13 |doi=10.1300/j465v26n01_01 |pmid=16492658 |pmc=2775419 }}</ref> and some popular [[Insomnia#Medications|sleep medicines]] include 10% alcohol,<ref>[https://vicks.com/en-us/safety-and-faqs/faqs/vicks-zzzquil-faq “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.”</ref> although the effects of alcohol upon sleep can wear off somewhat after several nights of consecutive use.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Roehrs |first1=Timothy |last2=Roth |first2=Thomas |title=Sleep, Sleepiness, and Alcohol Use |journal=Alcohol Research & Health |date=2001 |volume=25 |issue=2 |pages=101–109 |pmid=11584549 |pmc=6707127 }}</ref> |
||
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.<ref name=kissmattress/> The [[hot toddy]] is usually considered the original nightcap.<ref name=Stock2021>{{Cite web |title=The 5 Best Nightcap Cocktails To End the Day Right |last=Stock |first=Mark |work=The Manual |date=October 10, 2021 |access-date=1 December 2022 |url= https://www.themanual.com/food-and-drink/best-nightcap-drinks/ }}</ref> Other traditional nightcaps include brown liquor like [[brandy]] or [[bourbon whiskey|bourbon]],<ref name=kissmattress>{{Cite web |title=5 Great Nightcaps – Ending The Best Night Of Your Life. |work=Kiss Mattress |access-date=1 December 2022 |url= https://kissmattress.com/blogs/news/5-great-nightcaps-ending-the-best-night-of-your-life }}</ref> and [[Cream liqueur|cream-based liqueurs]] such as [[Irish cream]]. [[Wine]], especially [[fortified wine|fortified]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Five Nightcap Cocktails to End the Day Right |last=Newman |first=Kara |work=Wine Enthusiast |access-date=1 December 2022 |url= https://www.winemag.com/gallery/nightcap-cocktails/ }}</ref> can also function as a nightcap.<ref>Gaines, Jordan. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/a-night-cap-may-get-you-to-sleep-but-studies-show-it-will-also-make-you-sleep-less-well/2013/12/02/a126dc6c-56f9-11e3-8304-caf30787c0a9_story.html “A night cap may get you to sleep, but studies show it will also make you sleep less well”], ''[[Washington Post]]'' (December 2, 2013).</ref> Since some nightcaps are made of [[Amaro (liqueur)|amaro]], a [[digestif]], they are believed to also make settling into bed easier by promoting digestion.<ref name=Stock2021/> |
|||
| ⚫ | |||
[[File:Milk being warmed (117820219).jpg|300px|thumb|Milk being warmed on a stove]] |
|||
Originally, a "nightcap" was understood to be alcoholic, the idea being that it warms you up and helps you sleep, just like [[Nightcap (garment)|the garment of the same name]].<ref name=Ox>[http://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803100234475 "Overview Nightcap"], Oxford Reference, [[Oxford University Press]], accessed November 20, 2017.</ref> That changed in 1930, when the non-alcoholic drink [[Ovaltine]] was advertised as "the world's best 'night-cap' to ensure sound, natural sleep".<ref name=Ox /> An ingredient of Ovaltine is [[magnesium]] which helps to induce relaxation.<ref name=ten>[https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/wellness/10-drinks-to-help-you-sleep-like-a-baby/ss-AAaVkP2#image=4 "10 drinks to help you sleep like a baby"], [[MSN]], accessed November 20, 2017.</ref> |
|||
| ⚫ | |||
Likewise, [[Sleep induction#Warm milk|warm milk]] is often recommended as a nightcap for inducing sleep, because it contains both [[tryptophan]] and [[calcium]].<ref name=Green /> The flavor of the warm milk can be improved by adding a small amount of [[liqueur]] which may promote sleep as well; alternatively, honey and/or vanilla can improve the flavor.<ref name=Green /> The effectiveness of warm milk for inducing sleep is disputed.<ref>Wright, Brierly. [http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2012-06-13/health/fl-jjps-sleep-0613-20120613_1_sleep-medicine-myth-sleepless-nights “Six sleep myths busted”], [[Sun-Sentinel]] (June 13, 2012).</ref> |
|||
A nightcap was originally alcoholic, since it makes the drinker feel warm and helps them sleep, just like [[Nightcap (garment)|the garment of the same name]].<ref name=Ox>[http://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803100234475 "Overview Nightcap"], Oxford Reference, [[Oxford University Press]], accessed November 20, 2017.</ref> However, [[warm milk]] is often recommended as a nightcap for inducing sleep, as it contains both [[tryptophan]] and [[calcium]].<ref name="Green2">Green, Wendy. ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=cnt3shld7zAC&pg=PA151 The Greatest Guide to Slimming & Healthy Living]'', p. 15 (2010).</ref> The effectiveness of warm milk for inducing sleep is disputed.<ref>Wright, Brierly. [https://web.archive.org/web/20151202020418/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2012-06-13/health/fl-jjps-sleep-0613-20120613_1_sleep-medicine-myth-sleepless-nights “Six sleep myths busted”], [[Sun-Sentinel]] (June 13, 2012).</ref> |
|||
In 1930, [[Ovaltine]] was advertised as "the world's best 'night-cap' to ensure sound, natural sleep".<ref name="Ox" /> |
|||
Other drinks touted for inducing sleep are [[hops]] tea, [[cherry juice]] (contains [[melatonin]]), [[coconut water]] (contains magnesium), [[banana]] smoothie, [[lemon balm]] tea, decaffeinated [[green tea]] (contains [[theanine]]), [[valerian (herb)|valerian]] tea, and [[chamomile tea]].<ref name=ten /> |
|||
==See also== |
==See also== |
||
| Line 29: | Line 29: | ||
* {{Citation | author=Hamblin, James| title = Never Say Yes to a Nightcap | newspaper = The Atlantic | url = https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2013/01/never-say-yes-to-a-nightcap/267437/ | date = January 23, 2013}}. |
* {{Citation | author=Hamblin, James| title = Never Say Yes to a Nightcap | newspaper = The Atlantic | url = https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2013/01/never-say-yes-to-a-nightcap/267437/ | date = January 23, 2013}}. |
||
{{Alcohol and health}} |
|||
[[Category:Drinking culture]] |
[[Category:Drinking culture]] |
||
Latest revision as of 17:30, 16 September 2024
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
[edit]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.[7] The hot toddy is usually considered the original nightcap.[8] Other traditional nightcaps include brown liquor like brandy or bourbon,[7] 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.[8]
Non-alcoholic
[edit]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".[11]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Stone, Barbara M. (June 1980). "Sleep and low doses of alcohol". Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology. 48 (6): 706–709. doi:10.1016/0013-4694(80)90427-7. PMID 6155259.
- ^ Green, Wendy (2011). "Enjoy a milky nightcap". The Greatest Guide to Slimming & Healthy Living. Greatest Guides. p. 151. ISBN 978-1-907906-00-8.
- ^ "Alcohol & Sleep: Nix the Nightcap?". Webmd. Retrieved November 1, 2015.
- ^ Stein, Michael D.; Friedmann, Peter D. (March 2005). "Disturbed Sleep and Its Relationship to Alcohol Use". Substance Abuse. 26 (1): 1–13. doi:10.1300/j465v26n01_01. PMC 2775419. PMID 16492658.
- ^ “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.”
- ^ Roehrs, Timothy; Roth, Thomas (2001). "Sleep, Sleepiness, and Alcohol Use". Alcohol Research & Health. 25 (2): 101–109. PMC 6707127. PMID 11584549.
- ^ a b "5 Great Nightcaps – Ending The Best Night Of Your Life". Kiss Mattress. Retrieved December 1, 2022.
- ^ a b Stock, Mark (October 10, 2021). "The 5 Best Nightcap Cocktails To End the Day Right". The Manual. Retrieved December 1, 2022.
- ^ Newman, Kara. "Five Nightcap Cocktails to End the Day Right". Wine Enthusiast. Retrieved December 1, 2022.
- ^ 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).
- ^ a b "Overview Nightcap", Oxford Reference, Oxford University Press, accessed November 20, 2017.
- ^ Green, Wendy. The Greatest Guide to Slimming & Healthy Living, p. 15 (2010).
- ^ Wright, Brierly. “Six sleep myths busted”, Sun-Sentinel (June 13, 2012).
External links
[edit]
Look up nightcap in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.
- Schaap, Rosie (November 13, 2011), "Rules for an Honorable Nightcap", The New York Times.
- Hamblin, James (January 23, 2013), "Never Say Yes to a Nightcap", The Atlantic.
