Does Milk Help You Sleep?
There's no scientific proof that milk helps you sleep, according to Timothy Morgenthaler, M.D., of MayoClinic.com. While milk contains amounts of certain ingredients that promote sleep, it doesn't have enough to create the desired effect.
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GABA
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Milk has gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which has effects similar to Valium or benzodiazepine, but its levels are not high enough to produce a sedative effect, according to the July 29, 2010, Washington Post article "More Foods Hinder Than Help Sleep" by Jennifer LaRue Huget.
Placebo
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Although drinking milk or herbal tea may have calming effects, there is also the possibility that the placebo effect might play a part. Science has not yet found a food that you can rely on to make you sleep.
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Foods to Avoid
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There is more evidence that points to substances in food that keep you awake. Such foods include fat, caffeine and heavy spices. Also, too much fluid and alcohol can keep you from sleeping through the night.
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