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]

For other uses, see Nightcap.
A Bedtime Drink by Dutch painter Johannes Rosierse (c. 1860)

Alcoholic nightcaps and sleep
See also: Alcohol use and sleep

Nightcaps can be neat or mixed. They should not be served chilled or on the rocks, because their point is to induce a feeling of warmth.[3] The hot toddy is usually considered the original nightcap.[4] Other traditional nightcaps include brown liquor like brandy or bourbon,[3] and cream-based liqueurs such as Irish cream. Wine, especially fortified,[5] can also function as a nightcap.[6] Since some nightcaps are made of amaro, a digestif, they are believed to also make settling into bed easier by promoting digestion.[4]

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.[7] But, in low doses, alcohol has sleep-promoting benefits,[1] and some popular sleep medicines include 10% alcohol,[8] although the effects of alcohol upon sleep can wear off somewhat after several nights of consecutive use.[9]

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.[10] However, warm milk is often recommended as a nightcap for inducing sleep. It contains both tryptophan and calcium.[11] Alternatively, honey can improve the flavor.[11] The effectiveness of warm milk for inducing sleep is disputed.[12]

In 1930, Ovaltine was advertised as "the world's best 'night-cap' to ensure sound, natural sleep".[10]

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. "5 Great Nightcaps – Ending The Best Night Of Your Life". Kiss Mattress. Retrieved December 1, 2022.
  4. Stock, Mark (October 10, 2021). "The 5 Best Nightcap Cocktails To End the Day Right". The Manual. Retrieved December 1, 2022.
  5. Newman, Kara. "Five Nightcap Cocktails to End the Day Right". Wine Enthusiast. Retrieved December 1, 2022.
  6. 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).
  7. "Alcohol & Sleep: Nix the Nightcap?". Webmd. Retrieved November 1, 2015.
  8. “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.”
  9. Roehrs, Timothy and Roth, Thomas. “Sleep, Sleepiness, and Alcohol Use”, Alcohol Research and Health, 2001;25(2):101-9.
  10. "Overview Nightcap", Oxford Reference, Oxford University Press, accessed November 20, 2017.
  11. Green, Wendy. The Greatest Guide to Slimming & Healthy Living, p. 15 (2010).
  12. Wright, Brierly. “Six sleep myths busted”, Sun-Sentinel (June 13, 2012).
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