Can Tea Really Help You Sleep At Night?
If you’re looking for the best herbal teas for sleep then you’ve found the right article.
Sleep is a vital part of our lives.
Without it, we suffer from fatigue, low energy and an inability to focus — all things that can seriously affect our health and well-being.
According to the National Sleep Foundation’s 2018 Sleep in America Poll;
More than half of older adults in the United States have trouble sleeping at least once a week, and nearly one-quarter have trouble sleeping every night or almost every night.
In the world of natural sleep aids, herbal teas remedy stands out in particular as a great way to send you off on a blissful night’s sleep.
What Is Herbal Tea And How Can It Help?
Herbal teas are made from a variety of plants and herbs that have naturally low caffeine and are low in calories.
A cup of herbal tea for sleep can help you relax and get a good night’s sleep.
Herbal teas help soothe the nervous system and reduce insomnia and anxiety.
They also relieve stress, which is one of the major causes of sleep problems.
These calming teas are made from natural herbs, fruits, seeds, or roots steeped in hot water.
Some of them also contain volatile essential oils that have sedative effects on the body.
If you have difficulty falling asleep at night or wake up often, try sipping one of these sleepy teas before bedtime…
9 Best herbal Teas for sleep
1. Passionflower Tea
Passionflower tea is made from the passionflower plant and has been used by Native Americans to treat a variety of conditions, such as insomnia and anxiety.
It also may be beneficial for treating insomnia because it increases levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain.
More than half of older adults in the United States have trouble sleeping at least once a week, and nearly one-quarter have trouble sleeping every night or almost every night.
This acid works on GABA receptors to regulate nerve activity in the brain, which aids sleep.
Passionflower is available as a supplement in many grocery stores and online.
You can also buy loose leaf tea or passionflower tea bag to make herbal tea at home.
To make passionflower tea, add 1 teaspoon of dried passionflower leaves and stems to 1 cup of hot water.
Steep for 10 minutes and strain before drinking.
Add honey if you wish.
2. Green Tea
Green tea is also known for its calming effect, as it contains the amino acid theanine.
The Theanine in Green Tea also helps to balance the caffeine content of green tea, making it less likely to disrupt your sleep.
Theanine also has a relaxing effect on the nervous system and can help to ease anxiety and stress.
A study in 2011 found that people who took theanine fell asleep faster and improved their quality of sleep.
The whole-leaf organic tea has a delicate taste and a beautiful aroma which can instantly soothe you to the core.
A cup of green tea in the evening might be a great way to reduce tension after a long day and prepare you for a night of deep sleep.
- CBD is another great natural sleep aid
3. Lavender Tea
Lavender tea is a favorite herbal tea.
It has a floral aroma and flavor, which can be savored on its own or blended with other ingredients.
Aside from its taste, lavender tea is also known for its health benefits.
Lavender tea helps to relax the body and mind, relieve tension, and promote restful sleep.
The effect of lavender tea for sleep is attributed to its high amount of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
Antioxidants protect your body from free radicals, which can disrupt sleep cycles by causing inflammation, among other things.
Lavender tea also contains the natural sedative properties of linalool, which is found in the lavender plant.
4. Chamomile Flower Tea
The best teas for sleep are herbal blends that contain a variety of herbs and botanicals known to promote relaxation, calm the mind and induce sleep.
Chamomile tea is the best herbal tea for sleep because it has a mild sedative effect. It also helps to reduce anxiety and stress.
Recent research on effects of chamomile extract on disturbed postnatal women showed that drinking a cup of chamomile tea before bedtime significantly improved sleep quality and morning alertness.
Researchers found that postnatal women who consumed chamomile extract, in combination with other herbal supplements, had better sleep quality and were less fatigued than those in the control group.
Try combining teas with other sleep-promoting foods like almond milk or almonds, which contain magnesium and may help to relax muscles and help you to achieve good sleep.
5. Black Tea
Black tea is rich in L-theanine, an amino acid that helps you sleep.
It also contains theanine and caffeine, which help reduce stress levels but this ingredient can affect some people more than others, acting as a stimulant.
Studies have shown that the combination of theanine and caffeine can have a positive impact on the brain’s electrical activity.
As an added benefit, black tea is a powerful antioxidant and has antimicrobial properties to help boost your immune system.
This makes it an excellent choice for weight loss or if you want to experience quality sleep.
6. Valerian Root Tea
Valerian tea has long been used as a herbal remedy for insomnia and other sleep disorders.
In fact, it has been used for centuries in traditional medicine practices in Europe, Asia and India.
Valerian root is one of the most common and popular herbs used in sleep aids and is also available in capsules or liquid form.
Research shows that valerian root can improve the quality of your sleep and make it easier to fall asleep at night — without causing any adverse effects.
Valerian root tea is not only the best herbal tea for sleep but also helps fight anxiety and restlessness.
The active ingredient in valerian is valerenic acid, which has sedative properties and helps ease nervousness.
Valerian root tea is safe and non-habit-forming but can cause headaches and mild stomach upset in some people.
7. Lemon Balm Tea
Lemon balm is a member of the mint family.
It’s been used in traditional medicine for over 2,000 years.
Research shows that lemon balm has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory effects.
It may also have sedative and calming effects.
Lemon balm tea typically contains dried lemon balm leaves.
Some varieties combine it with other herbs or ingredients, such as chamomile, valerian root, or rose petals.
Lemon balm tea is delicious on its own or combined with another caffeine-free tea that is good for sleep, such as chamomile or valerian root.
Studies show that taking a combination of lemon balm leaves and valerian root helped improve sleep quality in people with insomnia without causing morning drowsiness.
- Read more about the astounding benefits of Lemon Tea
Research shows that lemon balm has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory effects.
Additionally, supplementing with a variety of lemon balm and other medicinal herbs improved alertness in healthy people who were sleep-deprived by one night of sleep loss.
8. Peppermint Tea
A warm cup of tea is a great way to take the edge off after a long, stressful day.
This tea is a soothing, sweet, and flavorful drink that can help with sleep disorders.
Peppermint tea contains menthol, which has calming and relaxing effects on the body.
In addition to helping you fall asleep faster, peppermint tea has many other benefits.
- Read all about the Benefits of Peppermint Tea
It can improve your digestion, help you manage stress and even reduce the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
You can find peppermint tea bags at your local grocery store or health food store, or you can make your own by steeping dried peppermint leaves in hot water.
Why not buy peppermint in a tincture or capsule form to take internally.
9. Ginger Tea
For many people, ginger tea is a favorite natural choice when looking for the best herbal tea for sleep.
This humble herbal drink is the subject of numerous clinical studies which show that it may be an effective treatment option for insomnia and sleep deprivation!
Ginger has been used as a medicinal ingredient since ancient times.
It is effective in the treatment of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties help treat colds, coughs, stomach aches, and sore throats.
Ginger tea contains antioxidants that boost the immune system, reduce inflammation and protect against free radicals.
The calming and relaxing effect of ginger tea helps;
- Relieve stress
- Soothe nerves
- Reduce anxiety symptoms
All resulting in better sleep.
- Want to know more about the Miracles of Ginger Tea?
Herbal Teas For Sleep - The Bottom Line
The good news for herbal tea lovers is that it’s safe to drink the best herbal tea for sleep before bedtime.
However, you should avoid adding caffeine to your bedtime routine to get quality sleep at night.
The sleep tea you choose can help you get a better night’s rest.
There are so many herbal teas for sleep on the market it can be challenging to decide which one is best for you.
In general, the best herbal tea for sleep should contain ingredients that promote sleep and help you relax.
If you’re interested in learning more about the efficacy of natural sleep aids like herbal teas, make an appointment with a certified nutritionist or naturopathic doctor in your area today!
