How long does sleepytime tea work

Sleepytime and bedtime teas are caffeine-free, herbal teas made of many of the same materials that are found in sleep supplements, including valerian root. Although, tea is often a much more pleasant way of ingesting these ingredients, and can be a calming activity in and of itself. For instance, ingredients like valerian root are quite stinky when taken alone, and taking a supplement with a quick swig of water is not nearly as relaxing an experience as drinking a full cup of warm tea.

By combining multiple pro-sleep, anti-anxiety herbal ingredients, bedtime teas create an overall calming bedtime experience that promotes sleepiness at the same time.

Some sleepytime tea ingredients have a sedative effect, like chamomile or valerian, while others, like lavender and lemon balm, reduce the stress and anxiety that plague insomniacs. Still others, like catnip in the mint family, alleviate indigestion so the body can relax for sleep.

As with most things, your reaction to the tea will depend on your personal sleep issues and taste preferences, and even what else you ate or did that day. Below we review the best tea ingredients for sleep. Chamomile is oft cited as the best tea for sleep. The perennially popular herbal tea has been used for centuries to stave off insomnia, stress, anxiety, and upset stomachs. Chamomile has positive effects on individuals with mild to moderate generalized anxiety disorder, and it also has antidepressant qualities.

The tea works as a mild tranquilizer, relaxing the nerves and muscles. Multiple small studies have found chamomile to provide various benefits, although the results are still inconclusive regarding sleep. One study split individuals with insomnia into two groups: one group took a placebo while the other took a chamomile extract twice a day for four weeks. While the chamomile had no effect on sleep onset, quality, or overall length, it did show some improvement in daytime functioning.

However, a study of rats found chamomile extract helped them fall asleep much quicker. Why do we believe chamomile helps induce sleep, despite not having any conclusive evidence? Like many of the teas on this list, chamomile has a calming effect that promotes relaxation.

And we believe it helps us sleep — that may be the most important part of all. Chamomile can induce an allergic reaction, and should be avoided by pregnant women or anyone about to have surgery due to its blood-thinning properties. For best results, steep this sweet and flowery tea for 10 minutes before drinking. Unlike chamomile, studies have proven moderate improvement of insomnia symptoms in drinkers of valerian tea.

As a strong natural sedative, valerian root has been used since the second century to help people fall asleep faster, reduce symptoms of insomnia and anxiety, and increase overall sleep quality. It works so well, that some people use it instead of melatonin supplements. Plus, valerian tea helps sleep without causing many of the side effects associated with other common sleep medications.

However, valerian root can become addictive or interfere with other medications, so check with your doctor before taking it. Valerian also takes a few days to a few weeks for the effect to kick in. For best results, steep for at least 5 minutes before drinking.

The decaf version includes theanine, which reduces stress and improves sleep. A sponsored study of young men in their 20s found that those who took a pure L-theanine supplement before bed enjoyed better sleep efficiency, and a more energized mental state upon waking.

Verdict: This tea had a calming effect, but was not a get-thee-to-dreamtown sleep aid. Or was it? Passionflower is really carrying the team, with lemon balm, licorice, and chamomile on the bench. With all those assertive ingredients, you would think that this tea for sleep would taste like How can a tea taste like so much nothing? Verdict: Very chill, but not chill enough.

Is this the best tea for sleep? Verdict: You can consider this one the Coca-Cola of sleepy teas. The flavor is comforting, powerful, and downright good.

This was my first time as a human ever to consume catnip, which I knew had great reviews from my cat, Roger, but apparently is also a muscle-relaxing nerve-chiller. True story, and real career. When steeped, this made a darker, gray tea that smelled like oatmeal and tasted very mellow, with hints of That was the most concrete thing I could put my finger on.

You could easily drink it during the day after a rough meeting or before that flower-essence therapist appointment. Packaged in an open-shelf-friendly octagonal jar, there was a big, green dried hop the stuff you make beer with on the top of the tea when I twisted off the lid. What a nice touch! This is a very unique tea, with mugwort and hops, and I love anything that gives me Macbeth witch vibes.

I used to make potions like this when we camped in the Michigan woods in my childhood, and this was the tea I was trying to make. Lots of dried pieces of actual nature, without the flavor of sticks, mud, and Off! Nervines are also excellent allies for anxiety if that is what keeps you up at night. While nervines are most beneficial when used regularly , these herbs are there to help us when we need them most.

So put the kettle on and cuddle up with a hot cup of sleepytime tea. I write as someone who grows and uses herbs with love; I am not a medical professional. Please consult your physician with any questions before trying a new herbal regimen. Skip to content Does Sleepytime Tea Work?

Mary Hadzimichalis Tea Yes, I believe it does. Final Thoughts Different nervines serve different purposes and can affect everyone uniquely. Mary Hadzimichalis Mary is a creative kitchen and garden witch with a passion for tea.

She lives on the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland with her husband and three cats. Her baking, creating, gardening, and women's healthcare advocacy can be followed on Instagram. Cinnamon Plum Herbal Tea A plum perfect relaxation tea.