The Impact of Drinking Tea with Milk on Sleep: Personal Experiences and Scientific Insights

Drinking tea, especially with milk, is a common practice in many cultures. However, the belief that it can affect sleep varies widely. While some may find that tea, particularly that containing milk, disrupts their sleep, others like myself, showed no such disruption. This article explores the factors influencing this common belief, supported by my personal experience during my student days.

Understanding the Caffeine Content

Tea, a popular beverage worldwide, often contains caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant that can interfere with sleep if consumed in large quantities or close to bedtime. The amount of caffeine in tea can vary significantly:

Black Tea: Generally contains the most caffeine. Green Tea: Contains less caffeine than black tea. Herbal Teas: Typically contain the least caffeine.

The timing of when you consume tea is another critical factor. While you may not experience issues if you drink it earlier in the day, later consumption, especially in the late afternoon or evening, can disrupt your sleep cycle.

Individual Sensitivity to Caffeine

Everyone's response to caffeine is different. Some people find that even a small amount of caffeine affects their ability to fall asleep, while others may not notice any impact at all. Personal sensitivity plays a significant role in determining the impact of tea on one's sleep.

The Role of Milk in Tea

Milk typically does not significantly alter the stimulating effects of caffeine. However, warm milk is often considered sleep-inducing due to its tryptophan content, which can help promote relaxation. Despite milk's effects, it may not be sufficient to counteract the stimulatory effects of caffeine in tea.

Personal Experience: A Case of Unaffected Sleep

My experience with drinking tea and its effect on sleep is a unique one. I recall our study group in 1961, where three of us would walk to a roadside tea cart every night while preparing for our SSLC examination, akin to today's 11th-grade students. Although my two older brothers and our classmate continued to study aloud, I found myself falling asleep despite the tea.

My brothers could stay up for extended periods, studying with each other. In contrast, I would nod off due to the combined affect of the warm tea and my half-asleep state. However, my superior memory allowed me to remember what they were studying, and I would prompt them when they faltered.

Interestingly, we all passed the examination with good grades. I was the school's first, my brother in second place, our classmate in third, and our main competitors in fourth and fifth places, respectively.

Later on, it dawned on me that the tea did not have much effect on me predominantly due to my habitual caffeine intake. From a young age, my family had a habit of drinking coffee in the morning, which accustomed my body to higher levels of caffeine. Thus, the hot tea in the late night did not disrupt my sleep as much as expected.

Our nightly routine of walking to the tea cart and immersing ourselves in the warmth and camaraderie of study undoubtedly provided a psychological and physical boost, contributing to our success in the exam.

In conclusion, the impact of drinking tea, especially caffeinated varieties, on sleep can vary widely depending on individual sensitivity, caffeine content, and timing. While warm milk may have sleep-inducing properties, it may not be enough to counteract the stimulating effects of caffeine. Understanding these factors can help in determining the right time to enjoy tea, ensuring a good night's sleep.