Does Drinking Oolong Tea at Night Keep You Awake?
Oolong tea is a popular Chinese tea that is appreciated for its unique flavor, its antioxidant content, and its potential health benefits. But is it safe to drink Oolong tea in the evening, or will it keep you awake during the night?
Oolong Tea Contains Caffeine
Oolong tea can contain caffeine, although the amount typically varies depending on the type of tea and the method of preparation used.
High-quality Oolong can provide approximately 55 milligrams of caffeine per cup, while lower-grade varieties may have as much as 70 to 80 milligrams of caffeine per cup.
Caffeine Can Interfere With Sleep
Caffeine is known to interfere with sleep, and it can cause fatigue and difficulty sleeping at night.
Thus, drinking Oolong tea late at night may make it difficult for you to fall asleep, resulting in less restful sleep and more daytime fatigue.
Tips for Minimizing the Effects of Caffeine
If you want to enjoy Oolong tea without disrupting your sleep, there are a few things you can do:
- Limit your intake: Drink no more than one cup of Oolong tea per day, and cease consumption at least four hours before bedtime.
- Switch to decaffeinated: If regular Oolong tea is keeping you up at night, try decaffeinated varieties.
- Drink chamomile tea instead: To ensure a good night’s sleep, consider drinking chamomile tea instead, as it contains no caffeine.
Conclusion
In summary, drinking Oolong tea late at night may interfere with your sleep and make it difficult for you to fall asleep. To reduce the effects of caffeine, limit your intake and switch to decaffeinated varieties if necessary. Alternatively, you could try chamomile tea instead.
