What Tea is Best for Sleeping?
Sleeping can be difficult for many people and many turn to tea as an aid. There are countless varieties of tea, but not all are well-suited for aiding sleep. Fortunately, certain types these herbal infusions can be beneficial for sending you off to dreamland.
Chamomile
Chamomile is one of the most widely-known teas which can help with sleep. It is an herbal tea with a mildly sweet flavor profile, often blended with lemon and honey. Consuming chamomile tea can have a mild, calming effect on the body and mind. Numerous doses of this tea are published every night as a way to help with drifting off.
Valerian Root
Valerian root tea is less well known than chamomile, but still an effective sleep aid. Valerian is an herb with an earthy flavor and odor, although some commercial blends include flavoring additives to improve the taste. The primary benefits of this tea come from the sedative effects of valerian root, which can calm the nerves and muscles.
Lavender
Lavender tea is another traditional herbal tea which can help with sleep. This tea has a delicate, floral flavor and aroma, with a mild sweetness. It can provide calming effects on the body, allowing the tea drinker to relax and feel drowsy. Drinking lavender tea two or three hours before bedtime can help set the mood for sleep.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm tea is lesser-known, but still popular among avid tea drinkers. This herbal tea is brewed from a member of the mint family, and has a subtle, citrus-like flavor that is highly refreshing. It also is thought to have mild sedative effects, making it a natural way to promote nighttime relaxation and sleep.
No matter what type of tea you choose, it is important to avoid consuming it too close to bedtime. Tea is caffeine-free, but some tea may have smaller amounts of compounds with similar effects. Caffeine and related compounds can have a stimulating effect on the nervous system and counteract the desired effects of tea.
Conclusion
Tea is an excellent choice for aiding sleep and relaxation. The best teas for sleeping include:
- Chamomile – mild taste, calming effects on mind and body.
- Valerian Root –earthy taste, sedative effects.
- Lavender – delicate, floral flavor, calming effects.
- Lemon Balm – subtle, citrus flavor, mild sedative effects.
No matter which tea you choose, avoid consumption too close to bedtime to ensure the best results.
