Benefits of Drinking Muscle Milk Before Sleep
Muscle Milk is a protein-based supplement manufactured by the company CytoSport. This powdered supplement is intended to "provide sustained energy and recovery for performance and lifestyle," according to CytoSport. While many protein powders contain mostly protein, Muscle Milk provides a variety of other nutrients and is intended to be taken not simply around exercise sessions but before bed as well. Consult a doctor prior to taking Muscle Milk or any other supplements.
Sleep (Image: Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images)Calorie Density
Muscle Milk is a calorie-dense product, with about 150 calories per scoop when mixed with water. The company suggests taking two scoops of the product at a time, which provides 310 calories. Mixing two scoops with the recommended 12 ounces of skim milk would result in a protein shake with 430 calories. If you want to gain muscle, you need to be in a calorie surplus, so if you haven't eaten enough all day, a 430-calorie shake prior to sleep can help you meet your calorie needs. Drinking Muscle Milk is much more convenient than preparing a large meal prior to bed, so it can be an effective way to consume the calories you need to meet your muscle-gaining goals.
Hunger Prevention
If you exercise often and have a good amount of muscle mass, you have a quick metabolism that produces frequent hunger pangs. This can be unpleasant if hunger strikes at night, as it is inconvenient to need to wake up at night and eat something. Doing so can also interfere with your recovery and hinder your gains, as sleep is crucial for muscle growth. Muscle Milk is high in fat and contains fiber, which are both nutrients that help blunt hunger.
Muscle Growth
Sleep is a crucial component of muscle recovery and growth, but you need the right nutrients to make the most of it. Each two-scoop serving of Muscle Milk contains 32 grams of protein, which is an essential nutrient in gaining muscle. Protein contains the amino acids that your body uses to build muscle, and consuming enough protein is vital to optimal results. If you haven't been able to consume enough protein throughout the day, consuming Muscle Milk prior to bed can make up for that and help fuel muscle growth throughout the night.
Improved Testosterone Production
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone, and it is integral in the process of building muscle. As a result, promoting testosterone production at a time when muscle recovery and growth occurs -- while you sleep -- can help you optimize your workout results. Muscle Milk contains high levels of vitamin D, which is a nutrient that can help boost testosterone production, according to a 2011 study from the journal "Hormone and Metabolic Research." Additionally, Muscle Milk is high in fat, which is a nutrient that helps boost testosterone production, according to a 2006 study from the journal "Reproductive Biology."
