6 Best Bedtime Teas That Help You Sleep
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/teas-that-help-you-sleep
Drinking certain teas, such as chamomile and valerian root, may help you relax before sleep.
There are few things as soothing as a hot cup of tea, especially before bed. Some types can help you relax, slow down, and unwind after a long day.
Many types of herbal tea have been used as natural sleep remedies for centuries, thanks to their ability to fight insomnia, stress, and anxiety. Some have even been studied for their sleep-promoting properties.
This article explores 6 of the best bedtime teas for catching some Zzz’s.
Made from the dried bark, buds, and stems of the magnolia plant, magnolia tea is often used as a natural sleep aid in many forms of traditional medicine (1Trusted Source).
The plant contains honokiol and magnolol, two compounds that have sedative effects (2Trusted Source).
Although research in humans is lacking, some older animal studies have found both honokiol and magnolol to help induce sleep and decrease insomnia (3Trusted Source, 4Trusted Source).
According to one study in women who recently gave birth, drinking magnolia tea for 3 weeks significantly improved depression and sleep quality, compared with a control group (5Trusted Source).
Still, more recent research is needed to better evaluate how magnolia tea may affect sleep in humans.
Green tea is a popular type of tea known for its distinct flavor and health benefits (6Trusted Source).
Interestingly, some studies suggest that it could also improve sleep quality and battle insomnia.
For example, one small study of 20 adults found that drinking low caffeine green tea was linked to improved sleep quality, decreased stress, and reduced fatigue, compared with drinking regular green tea (8Trusted Source).
Other research suggests that epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG), which is found in green tea, may be to thank for green tea’s sedative effect (9Trusted Source).
Be sure to choose green tea with low or no caffeine content if you’re planning to drink it close to bedtime.
Chamomile tea is a type of herbal tea with a delicate floral flavor and possible health benefits.
It’s made from chamomile, a plant that’s often used to promote sleep thanks to its sedative effects (10Trusted Source).
In a review of 12 studies, chamomile was found to safely improve sleep quality, though it didn’t significantly affect insomnia (11Trusted Source).
Another study investigated how drinking chamomile tea affected 80 women who had recently given birth and who experienced poor sleep quality (13Trusted Source).
Within 2 weeks, they reported fewer sleep difficulty-related symptoms, compared with a control group. However, after 4 weeks, there was no difference in symptoms between the group that drank tea and the control group (13Trusted Source).
However, because research is still limited, more studies are needed to understand how chamomile tea may affect sleep.
Lavender tea is made by brewing the buds of the lavender flower in water, creating a vibrant purple beverage with a distinct flavor and aroma.
Not only is it often enjoyed as a soothing bedtime tea, but some research also supports that lavender could promote relaxation and enhance sleep quality.
For instance, one small study found that women who had recently given birth and who drank 1 cup (237 mL) of lavender tea per day for 2 weeks experienced less fatigue than a control group (14Trusted Source).
One study in older adults showed that lavender tea effectively decreased symptoms of depression and anxiety, both of which could contribute to insomnia (15Trusted Source).
Some studies also show that lavender essential oil could reduce anxiety and improve sleep, though it’s unclear if these findings apply to lavender tea (16Trusted Source, 17Trusted Source, 18Trusted Source, 19Trusted Source).
Ultimately, more research is still needed.
Valerian is a type of flowering plant used as an herb or supplement.
The dried roots of the plant are used to make valerian tea, which is sometimes used as a natural sleep aid (20Trusted Source, 21Trusted Source).
While it’s unclear how valerian root works, it’s thought to boost levels of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which reduces anxiety (22Trusted Source).
Although a few studies show that valerian root can help treat anxiety, improve sleep quality, and enhance feelings of relaxation and calmness, specific research on the effects of valerian tea is limited (23Trusted Source).
Therefore, while some people might find that valerian tea works for them, additional studies are needed to better understand its effects.
Passionflower, sometimes referred to as Passiflora or maypop, is a plant that’s long been studied for its powerful medicinal properties (24Trusted Source).
Passionflower extract is available in tinctures and capsules and is widely used as an herbal supplement.
You can also brew the plant’s fresh or dried leaves into passionflower tea.
According to a review of nine studies, passionflower herbal preparations — including teas, syrups, and tinctures — could act as a natural sedative and help relieve anxiety (25Trusted Source).
Another older study in 41 people showed that drinking 1 cup (237 mL) of passionflower tea per day for 1 week significantly improved subjective sleep quality, compared with placebo (26Trusted Source). However, newer research hasn’t replicated these findings.
Healthline’s picks for the best sleepy teas
Here’s our list, compiled by experts, of the best tea products you can buy for sleep.
Bedtime teas are a type of herbal tea made with a blend of ingredients to help you relax as you wind down before bed.
Unlike other types of tea, these beverages are generally caffeine-free and contain compounds that can ease stress and anxiety or promote feelings of calmness, such as lavender, chamomile, or passionflower.
Enjoying a cup of herbal tea can also be a safe, soothing, and relaxing addition to your bedtime routine.
In fact, practicing healthy sleep habits and establishing a regular nightly routine may be beneficial for improving sleep quality and treating issues like insomnia (27Trusted Source).
Pros
- Having a cup of tea before bedtime can help create good sleep habits that the brain recognizes as a wind-down before slumber (27Trusted Source).
- Many find the warmth and aroma of tea comforting and soothing.
- Some teas are safe, easy options to try if you’re having trouble sleeping (28Trusted Source).
Cons
- May not help severe cases of insomnia (29Trusted Source).
- Should be considered a supplementary tool to improve sleep troubles, not a cure-all.
- Scientific research on the efficacy of sleep-inducing teas is mixed (30Trusted Source).
- Drinking it too close to bed could wake you up at night to use the restroom.
Bedtime tea can be a good a great addition to a nightly bedtime routine.
It can be especially beneficial for people who have difficulty falling asleep or winding down before bed.
However, keep in mind that bedtime teas may not be effective for severe cases of insomnia (31Trusted Source).
Additionally, bedtime tea should be used alongside other healthy habits to support better sleep, such as setting a regular nightly schedule and limiting caffeine intake before bed.
People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should check with a doctor before adding bedtime tea to their nightly routine, as some varieties may contain ingredients that aren’t recommended.
Those who are taking medications or have underlying health conditions should also exercise caution when using bedtime tea to prevent adverse effects or interactions.
How long before bedtime should I drink my tea?
Give yourself enough time to sit and enjoy your tea with sufficient time to use the bathroom before bed.
As a general rule of thumb, try to minimize your fluid intake at least 2 hours before bed (32Trusted Source).
This can help prevent you from having to use the bathroom in the middle of the night, potentially making it hard to fall back asleep.
Are all sleepy time teas safe?
While teas are generally a safe way to combat sleep issues, some types contain natural supplements that aren’t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (33Trusted Source).
If you’re taking medication, be sure to consult a doctor before using any new supplement, as some types can interact with prescription medications (34Trusted Source).
Similarly, consult a doctor if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Not only is there limited research on the safety of some herbal supplements during pregnancy, but some compounds may negatively affect fetal growth or stimulate preterm labor (35Trusted Source).
Additionally, keep in mind that there have been reports of headaches, dizziness, and skin reactions after consuming certain herbs, including valerian root (36Trusted Source).
If you experience any negative side effects after consuming herbal tea, discontinue use and talk with a doctor.
How many cups of tea do I need to drink?
The amount of tea that you should drink per day depends on your personal preferences.
While enjoying 1 cup (237 mL) before bedtime is enough for many people, having 2–3 cups (473–710 mL) spread throughout the day may work well for others.
Ideally, start with a lower amount and increase slowly to assess your tolerance and prevent any potential side effects.
Keep in mind that drinking multiple cups of tea could increase the risk of nocturia, or frequent urination during the night, especially if you’re drinking them around bedtime (37Trusted Source).
As such, it may be beneficial to limit your fluid intake 2 hours before bed and use the bathroom before you sleep (37Trusted Source).
Will bedtime tea help my anxiety?
Certain varieties of bedtime tea contain ingredients that may help ease anxiety and promote relaxation.
For example, lavender, passionflower, and valerian tea are commonly found in many bedtime tea blends and have all been studied for their ability to reduce anxiety (16Trusted Source, 23Trusted Source).
Will bedtime tea help my insomnia?
Bedtime tea can help you relax before bed and reduce stress and anxiety, which could improve sleep quality.
However, while bedtime tea may be beneficial for mild sleep issues, note that it should not be considered a cure-all for severe insomnia or other sleep difficulties (31Trusted Source).
Instead, try enjoying a cup of bedtime tea as part of your nightly routine and be sure to practice other healthy sleep habits, like setting a regular sleep schedule, minimizing the use of electronic devices before bed, and limiting caffeine intake.
Herbal tea can be a simple, soothing addition to your bedtime routine. Many types are often used as natural remedies to promote relaxation and sleep.
Often, they’re made with herbs that affect specific neurotransmitters to potentially improve sleep quality, decrease stress and anxiety, and help you fall asleep faster.
However, current evidence on their benefits is weak and inconsistent. Plus, most research has focused on herbs in extract or supplement form and not as tea. Thus, more high quality research is needed to better understand how herbal teas may improve sleep.
Since some herbs and supplements can interact with medications, it’s best to consult a doctor before adding herbal tea to your daily diet.
Still, while results can vary by individual, these teas may be worth adding to your nightly routine to help you wind down and relax before bed.
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