YORK, England, February 17-- Scientists have completed trials for the launch of a new type of milk which claims it will help people suffering from sleep problems to establish a good pattern of sleep within two weeks. The milk contains higher levels of melatonin because it comes from dairy herds that provide milk with higher than usual levels of the substance at the morning milking

A third of all adults now report regular sleep problems sleeplessness is becoming as big a risk to the nation's health as poor diet and lack of exercise. Night Time Milk is set to hit supermarket shelves this week and comes from specially selected dairy herds that provide milk with higher than normal levels of melatonin.

Melatonin is a natural substance that controls the body clock and helps us to sleep. It is a natural hormone that plays a central part in regulating sleep patterns and, in the medical world, is often used as a drug to help people with chronic sleep problems.

Sleep Expert Dr Chris Idzikowski comments, "Melatonin is the brains way of telling the body that it is night time. It helps to reduce the body temperature which is necessary for a good night's sleep. A bedtime drink that provides the brain and body with additional melatonin has a theoretical reason for aiding sleep."

Surprisingly, the milk which is designed to be drunk warm as part of the bedtime routine can also be enjoyed during the day without causing drowsiness. This is due to the fact that human levels of melatonin are naturally very low during daylight hours.