Does Oolong Tea Keep You Awake at Night?
Drinking Oolong tea at night soon after dinner has become a ritual for many people. But does it keep you awake? Here, we’ll explore the potential benefits and drawbacks of consuming Oolong tea before sleeping.
Benefits of Oolong Tea at Night
Oolong tea contains caffeine which is known to provide a temporary boost in alertness, focus and concentration. Moreover, it contains polyphenols and antioxidants that can boost your metabolism and help with weight control.
Drawbacks of Oolong Tea at Night
Despite potential benefits, consuming caffeine too close to bedtime can have a disruptive effect on your sleep. This is because caffeine blocks the production of melatonin, a hormone which helps us to relax and sleep.
The Bottom Line
If you enjoy drinking Oolong tea at night, it’s important to bear in mind it could potentially disrupt your sleep. Ideally, it should be consumed several hours before bed so the caffeine has enough time to wear off before you try to go to sleep.
Tips for Enjoying Oolong Tea at Night
- Consume Oolong tea in the afternoon for optimum benefit
- If you need an energy boost late in the day, try snacking on some complex carbohydrates instead
- Limit your intake of caffeine from any beverages to avoid sleep disruption
- If you are a particularly sensitive sleeper, it is best to avoid consuming caffeine at all
In summary, drinking Oolong tea at night can provide some health benefits, but it can also disrupt your sleep. If you want to be sure not to disrupt your sleep, it is best to consume Oolong tea in the afternoon and limit your intake of caffeine in general.
