Hot cocoa is a classic sleep inducing drink. It is right up there with the classical glass of warm milk. The reason hot cocoa does such a great job of getting you to dreamland is because cocoa contains tryptophan.
Tryptophan is vital to the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter. Serotonin helps to regulate our mood – everything including, how we sleep, how we feel, how we respond to our environment, etc. Eating tryptophan high foods along with carbohydrates can actually boost out serotonin levels which can subsequently create healthy sleeping patterns and boost your mood.
Serotonin, tryptophan, and other biochemicals are also necessary components for synthesizing melatonin, a well-known sleep-inducing agent. It is recommended that people suffering from insomnia, increase their melatonin consumption as a first step towards getting a good night’s rest.
Hot chocolate also contains phenylethylamine, which is an ingredient that produces a natural high. Combining the chocolate with the milk will help induce a sense of drowsiness in a matter of minutes.
Traditional Hot Chocolate
If you are going to try and initiate sleep by drinking hot chocolate, it is recommended that you avoid instant cocoa. It is not that healthy for you. Instead, try this traditional hot chocolate recipe that uses an actual bar of dark chocolate. It is not too difficult to prepare and doesn’t take too long.
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- 1-3 oz dark chocolate – chopped into small pieces
- Marshmallows – optional
- Whip cream – optional
Procedure
- Heat milk using a medium saucepan.
- Add vanilla extract.
- Whisk in chocolatee until it melts and turns frothy.
- Add whip cream and marshmallows as needed.
- Serve and enjoy.
- Sleep tight!