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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.

Alcoholic nightcaps 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. But, in low doses, alcohol has sleep-promoting benefits, and some popular sleep medicines include 10% alcohol, although the effects of alcohol upon sleep can wear off somewhat after several nights of consecutive use.

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

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. However, warm milk is often recommended as a nightcap for inducing sleep, as it contains both tryptophan and calcium. The effectiveness of warm milk for inducing sleep is disputed.

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

See also

• Apéritif and digestif
• Sleep hygiene

References

1. 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.
2. Green, Wendy (2011). "Enjoy a milky nightcap". The Greatest Guide to Slimming & Healthy Living. Greatest Guides. p. 151. ISBN 978-1-907906-00-8.
3. "Alcohol & Sleep: Nix the Nightcap?". Webmd. Retrieved November 1, 2015.
4. 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.
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; Roth, Thomas (2001). "Sleep, Sleepiness, and Alcohol Use". Alcohol Research & Health. 25 (2): 101–109. PMC 6707127. PMID 11584549.
7. ^ "5 Great Nightcaps – Ending The Best Night Of Your Life". Kiss Mattress. Retrieved December 1, 2022.
8. ^ Stock, Mark (October 10, 2021). "The 5 Best Nightcap Cocktails To End the Day Right". The Manual. Retrieved December 1, 2022.
9. Newman, Kara. "Five Nightcap Cocktails to End the Day Right". Wine Enthusiast. Retrieved December 1, 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. ^ "Overview Nightcap", Oxford Reference, Oxford University Press, accessed November 20, 2017.
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).

External links

• 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.

• Drinking culture
• Sleep medicine