Boiling Soy Milk and Insomnia

[eistxist]

I've been having difficulty sleeping for the past few days (unusually light sleep, unable to really fall asleep), and, not wanting to have the same problem tonight, I ran a Google search for some solutions. I found this:

This works like a charm...

Heat milk to the point just before it boils (frothy on top) then add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 level tsp of sugar and sprinkle cinnimon on top stir very well and drink while hot. You'll be out in no more than 15-20 minutes.

The heating directions are crucial to activating the natural sedative in milk; the rest is just for flavoring.

http://www.myhomeremedies.com/topic.cgi?topicid=112&page=1

My question is: would boiling soy milk for the same purpose be safe? Probably a dumb question, I know. I know that soy does have tryptophan (more, in fact, than milk), but I'm not sure if doing the same thing with soy milk might pose a threat.

[Jon_Veggie]

Apparently tryptophan causing nightmares is a myth. At least that is what I read.

[hoodedclawjen]

why would it cause a threat? what kind of threat?

any old nice warm sweet drink at bedtime is helpful for going to sleep. so is a nice warm bath, a massage with nice oils, etc. its all about getting de-stressed and warm and comfy and relaxed.

[mdhurley]

My question is: would boiling soy milk for the same purpose be safe?

I assume you're unsure if heating soy milk would cause chemical reactions that may produce chemicals that could potentially be toxic to the body. If this is the case, then my answer is that it does not. Are you aware of the basic steps of producing tofu? It involves boiling soy milk to aid in the fermentation. Tofu has been deemed safe, so boiling soy milk for the purpose of a hot drink would be fine as well.

I'm not sure if heating soy milk would activate any sedative, but there still would exist a therapeutic effect. Psychologically, drinking warm milk (or milk-like fluids) reminds us of feeding upon our mother's breast milk (or formula) as infants. On crying when hungry, we would be fed milk (or formula) and realize that the milk/formula relieved our hunger. This activated our dopamine rewards system and conditioned us to associate warm milk with relaxation.

Even if this does not work for you, it can't hurt to try. If it doesn't work as a sleep aid, at least you have a recipe for a comforting, warm beverage.

[eistxist]

Haha, nooo, I wasn't afraid it would produce some sort of toxin. I was asking if it would pose a potential threat to falling asleep. But thanks for the help. :]

I tried it last night, and I could feel it work, but it was nowhere near powerful enough to "knock me out."

[sybaritik]

I tried it last night, and I could feel it work, but it was nowhere near powerful enough to "knock me out."


You might get more sleepy if you try combining the Tryptophan source with a carbohydrate snack.

.

[Doktormartini]

You could try taking valerian root for insomnia as it's a natural, safe, sedative.

[Shifu]

You could try taking valerian root for insomnia as it's a natural, safe, sedative.

I've heard this too, and am going to try and find some tablets. I got valerian tea once and it smelt very strong (not nice!) and also my cats acted worse than catnip!

[SunVamp]

valerian works...or how about chamomile tea? It knocks me out. ^^

Or you could always try nyquil...but that's bad for you. X(

[piratemoon]

Bach's Nighttime Rescue Remedy. Took me till 2pm the next day to come out of walking sleep!!!

[fadeaway1289]

Or you could always try nyquil...but that's bad for you. X(

My body gets horribly addicted to nyquil. I will take it to help me sleep when I have a cold and then days afterwards not be able to fall asleep without it.

Sorry the warm soymilk wasn't strong enough to help you. It is a nice treat though at night (especially hot chocolate soymilk).