Can Tea Help Me Sleep Better?
Tea, in all its forms, has been known for its multitude of health benefits. It has been known to wake you up and give you energy, but it has also been known to calm anxiety and reduce stress, which can lead to better sleep. Not all teas provide the same benefits and knowing which teas to drink for any particular situation is key. In short, the right teas may aid in better sleep for those who drink them.
The Teas that Help you Sleep
While some teas such as yerba mate and pretty much any true tea from the camellia sinensis have energy-boosting compounds such as caffeine, there are many other herbal tea options that are caffeine-free and contain compounds that help the nervous system relax. These teas are the ones that can aid you in getting better sleep at night rather than keeping you awake and wide-eyed.
Here we have compiled a list of teas that contain compounds that act as a natural sedative to help you fall asleep and may improve the quality of sleep.
1. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is made from steeping dried chamomile flowers. For centuries, this tea has been used as a folk remedy for many health concerns. The more potent the tea the higher the effect on the body. Chamomile can affect everyone differently and depending on your particular health conditions, allergies, or currently prescribed drugs, chamomile tea can either help or hurt you. It is important to always consult your doctor before making chamomile tea a part of your regular dietary routine.
Chamomile is full of flavonoids which contribute to its many health benefits. One of the many health benefits is that drinking chamomile tea was shown to reduce stress and anxiety and induce sleep. In one study researchers suggested that chamomile tea functioned much like benzodiazepine which is a prescribed drug for those who have trouble sleeping.
2. Peppermint Tea
Peppermint is a hybrid between watermint and spearmint and while the aroma is very stimulating and powerful, the properties of peppermint can lead to better sleep. Peppermint tea is naturally caffeine-free and contains certain compounds that act as muscle relaxants that can help calm you before bed. For those who suffer from stomach issues, peppermint tea can help settle upset stomach including bloating and indigestion.
For women, peppermint tea can be a home remedy for menstrual cramps. For pregnant women struggling with morning sickness or nausea, you may find relief resulting in better sleep by consuming peppermint tea before bed.
3. Lemongrass Tea
To help trigger the release of the hormone serotonin, lemongrass can help. Increases in serotonin can lead to improved mood and contentment. It is the chemical of happiness and can help improve sleep by reducing restlessness and anxiety. Lemongrass leaves have sedentary effects on the body that aid in regulating sleep cycles. It may help you sleep throughout the night.
Lemongrass can be found in many herbal varieties and when this plant is infused with other sleep-aid ingredients as mentioned above, you get a pretty powerful concoction. For a powerful combination of sleep assisting compounds that will help you fall asleep and stay asleep, try Chamomile Lemon Mint Herbal Tea which is a combination of chamomile, lemongrass, and peppermint.
If you need better sleep and are looking for a more natural approach, try some of these herbal tea options. Also, check out our sleep aid tea category. It is also good to know that many herbal tea and rooibos options can be great teas for calming you down at night. They are all naturally caffeine-free and will not contribute to sleep impairment.
