Can Green Tea Help You Sleep?
Green tea has long been used to help with different medical conditions, from headaches to weight loss. But could green tea also help you get better sleep? Read on to find out!
The Caffeine Content of Green Tea
Even though green tea does contain some caffeine, it has far less than coffee. On average, an 8-ounce cup of green tea contains 25-29mg of caffeine. This is much less than an 8-ounce cup of coffee, which can have up to 150mg of caffeine. As such, drinking green tea in the evening is much less likely to leave you feeling kept awake by too much caffeine.
The Benefits of Green Tea
Green tea is packed with antioxidants and other beneficial compounds which can help to improve your health. Some of these include:
- L-Theanine, which is an amino acid that helps to relax the mind and body.
- Epigallocatechin gallate, which helps to calm the nervous system and reduce stress hormones.
- Polyphenols, which help to improve cognitive function and cardiovascular health.
The combination of these compounds can help to reduce stress levels, improving your quality of sleep.
Drinking Green Tea for Sleep
Drinking green tea in the evening can help you to relax before going to bed. Look for decaffeinated green tea if you prefer to avoid the small amount of caffeine that is naturally present in green tea. Also, opt for caffeine-free herbal teas, such as chamomile, which can further aid in relaxation and help you to get a better night’s sleep.
In conclusion, green teas can help to improve sleep quality due to its low caffeine content, as well as its calming compounds. For best results, drink green tea in the evening and add a few herbal teas in order to make sure you get the best sleep possible.
