Nighttime Teas and Their Sleep-Promoting Benefits
No doubt sweet dreams and a good night’s sleep go hand-in-hand. Though that’s easier said then done, it is possible to make a few lifestyle changes to improve your sleep such as practicing sound sleep hygiene, avoiding technologies late at night, and even drinking certain nighttime teas. Herbal teas are a great way to relax and wind down for a peaceful night’s sleep. The variety of compounds within tea can work in harmony to reduce anxiety and create a sense of peace and warmth.
In particular, certain types of herbal teas in particular can help promote relaxation and sound sleep. Chamomile and lavender are the most popular and are known for their calming and sedative effects. In addition, passionflower and Valerian root tea also have great sleep promoting benefits. The compounds in these teas impact your body in ways that encourage a deeper and more restful sleep.
These herbals teas and other nighttime teas provide numerous health benefits in addition to aiding with sleep. Not only can these teas reduce stress and anxiety, but they also can reduce inflammation, suppress appetites, and even relieve pain. Nighttime tea is a wonderful addition to a nightly routine to ensure a good night’s rest.
Benefits of Nighttime Teas
Though there is no auto-pilot remedy for better sleep, adding the right tea to your nighttime ritual can certainly help you drift off into a peaceful slumber. Different flavors of tea can provide several distinct benefits. For example, chamomile tea has amazing digestive benefits, while the flavor of lavender tea can help reduce stress and anxiety. Passionflower tea helps to increase serotonin activity, and Valerian root tea can act as a natural sedative.
The power of tea lies in the combination of ingredients, which work in synergy to bring about calmness and relaxation. As an added bonus, the flavor of these teas can be enjoyed on its own, or with a little honey, cinnamon, or other ingredients to sweeten the taste.
Chamomile and Lavender Teas
These two teas are some of the most popular nighttime teas. Extensive research studies back up the claims of improved sleep with the use of these teas. Studies have shown that both of these teas can reduce stress, lower heart rate, and improve mood. Not to mention chamomile tea is also known for its digestive benefits, which makes it a fantastic pairing with other mood-boosting foods before bed.
Lavender tea, on the other hand, is known for its sedative effects and has even shown to have antidepressant effects. Drinking lavender tea is also known to decrease cortisol levels in the body. The soothing aroma of this tea makes it a great choice for anyone looking to take a break from the day’s stressors.
Though these teas can be consumed on their own, it’s important to understand their effects may be enhanced when blended with other herbs. For instance, adding chamomile and passionflower together can result in more potent effects that may help you get the restful sleep your body needs.
Passionflower and Valerian Root Tea
Passionflower and Valerian root tea are two tea blends that are known for their deep sleep-promoting effects. These teas have calming properties that reduce restlessness and induce deeper sleep. Passionflower tea also naturally increases serotonin activity, while Valerian root tea is a natural sedative.
Passionflower tea is especially beneficial as its compounds help lower anxiety levels and create a feeling of calmness. Depending on the person, passionflower tea can also be a great choice to help reduce sleep disturbances. Valerian root, on the other hand, is very effective for sleep promotion and has a slight vanilla flavor.
Both teas can be enjoyed on their own or blended with other ingredients to create a calming and soothing brew. For those who are looking for a more natural sleep aid, passionflower and Valerian root tea are both great options.
Other Nighttime Teas With Benefits
- Tulsi Tea: Tulsi tea, also known as Holy Basil, is known for its restorative benefits and can help reduce cortisol levels in the body.
- Cinnamon Tea: Cinnamon tea is known for its calming effects and can help reduce stress and anxiety.
- Kava Tea: Kava tea is known for its sedative effects and can even help to reduce pain. Kava tea is also known to help promote restful sleep.
- Lemon Balm Tea: Lemon balm tea is known for its antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects, as well as its ability to decrease cortisol levels in the body. This tea is also known to help induce a restful night’s sleep.
- Ginger Tea: Ginger tea is known to help reduce inflammation, boost energy levels, and improve digestion. This tea also has calming properties and can help organically promote relaxation.
Conclusion
Whether you have difficulty sleeping or just want to practice sound sleep hygiene, nighttime teas are a great way to promote relaxation and sleep. Not only can these teas work in harmony to create a sense of calmness and reduce stress, but they also provide numerous additional benefits such as reducing inflammation and suppressing appetites. With the right nighttime tea to help you drift off to sleep, you can expect to wake up feeling rested and restored.