For as long as I can remember, I have struggled with sleep. As a teenager, I did not like sleeping in because I considered it a waste of time. Maximizing waking hours meant more time for other exciting activities. I would obstinately refuse to wake up late on weekends or nap in the afternoons. My sister and I shared a room and on weekends I would jump out of bed, brimming with the possibilities a holiday presented. But I would have to contain my enthusiasm and carefully tiptoe my way around because I could not dare disturb her slumber (older siblings can bully you even in their sleep). For the two hours following our Saturday and Sunday lunches, the bedroom became a no-entry zone for me. Ruefully, I would watch my sister strategically arrange pillows and books to hold curtains in place, making sure every tiny chink of light was blocked out for her afternoon siesta. It was my cue to stay out whilst she caught up on her coveted beauty sleep.

Growing up, this arrangement worked fine. But over time, my sleep deficit caught up with me. And now, in my forties, I no longer have the energy to function without a good night’s rest. Being a light sleeper only adds to my woes. I am not blessed with the gift of falling asleep the minute my head hits the pillow. I wake up at the slightest sound or movement. As luck would have it, I married a man who is the polar opposite. In our early days of parenthood, his ability to sleep peacefully through a hungry baby’s piercing cries was a quality I came to envy and resent in equal measure. I have never taken any prescription medication to help me sleep, but I have tried several home remedies in the hope of getting more rest.

A few months ago, my husband introduced me to glycine. Glycine is an amino acid available in a powder/capsule form. It dissolves easily in water and tastes mildly sweet. In limited quantities, it is completely safe for consumption. Research has shown that taking 3 grams of glycine before going to bed can aid and enhance the quality of sleep. Glycine also has several other health benefits for the heart, brain, bones and skin. You can read more about them online. Glycine is one of the two key components of this drink, the other being ashwagandha or Indian ginseng. For centuries this medicinal herb has been used as a form of alternative medicine to treat neuronal, stress-related and oncological disorders. Ashwagandha is renowned for its adaptogenic qualities. It helps to counteract the effects of stress in the body, lowers cortisol and blood sugar levels, and also fights anxiety and depression.

Now to cut this long story short, I am currently consuming and endorsing a beverage supplemented with glycine and ashwagandha as a sleep aid. Before going to bed at night, I enjoy a warm cup of soothing latte. The recipe I have shared below makes a concentrated paste for the same. This paste can be mixed into any kind of milk, dairy or plant-based (or you could just use hot water). The honey included as a sweetener is minimal and optional. You could add more or omit it, depending upon your preference. The fragrant spices help to mask the grassy smell and taste of ashwagandha (which I do not particularly care for).

“Late Night Latte” is a term the teen came up with. And I liked it. He was rather creative with his suggestions (Slumber Shake and Goodnight Gulp were others names that did not make the cut). Call it anything you want - Moon Milk, Turmeric Latte or whatever else. As long as it does the needful, that is all that matters. Please note, I am not claiming this drink will solve all your sleep issues. I am only sharing a recipe that has helped me with mine. If you are looking to enhance your quality of sleep, I urge you to give this latte a try. It has all the goodness of the old school concoction with additional health benefits and it may help you get a good night’s rest. For best results, consume one serving every night.

Recipe

LAte Night Latte Concentrate

(Makes enough for 12 servings)

Ingredients

1/2 cup almonds
2 tbsp cashews pieces
1 tbsp coconut oil/ghee
1 tsp turmeric powder
1/4 tsp black pepper powder
1/2 tsp saffron strands
1 tsp ground green cardamom
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
5 tsp ashwagandha powder
5 tsp glycine powder
2 tbsp raw honey (add more or omit, depending upon your preference)
1 tbsp rosewater (optional)
4-5 tbsp water

Method

In a high-powered blender, blitz all the ingredients together until you get a smooth, thick paste.

Transfer the paste to a glass jar and keep refrigerated.

To make the latte -

Add 1 level tablespoon of the paste to 3/4 cup of any hot milk of your choice. Alternately, you could just mix it into hot water.

Whisk well to dissolve (a handheld whisk or milk frother get the job done) and enjoy as a nightcap.