Top 8 Teas to Help You Sleep

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It is a well-known fact that in order for your body to recover and rejuvenate, there is a need to go to sleep, and some teas can help you sleep effortlessly. The purpose of this article is to present the eight teas that have gained popularity and are said by many to alleviate sleep disorders.

Data from the NHS in the year 2020 indicates that Britain has reached an all time high in referred and treated patients of sleep disorder and deprivation. As demonstrated by the survey conducted by The Sleep Council. In proportion, close to 35% of adults, the six to eight hours of sleep are not regularly accumulated.

Sleep deprivation conditions are also associated with other wellbeing problems, such as anxiety and depression. Where almost 40% of those surveyed indicate stress influences their ability to fall asleep.

Such data makes it easy to see why there is a need to address sleep health. Without sufficient sleep, there can be serious consequences for you. Physically and socially, as well as employer productivity and quality of life.

Apart from teas that aid sleep, if you are specifically looking for the best sleep tea, or the one tea that could help people fall asleep. Then we will answer this question here. In this article, focus rests on eight teas that have been demonstrated to positively affect sleep, and the benefits that such teas serve, as well as research where these are justified:

1. Chamomile Tea

Of all the types of teas considered to relieve sleep problems, Camomile Tea is undoubtedly one of the most widely accepted. This herbal infusion is made from the dried flowers of the camomile plant. This has existed for alleviating the pains for several centuries. Contains apigenin, an antioxidant that binds to sites in the brain. Therefore, being able to combat conditions like insomnia and anxiety.

A meta analysis of twelve of such studies conducted reveals that sleep quality indeed improves with the intake of camomile. In a paper published, it was reported that people who had insomnia showed slight changes in the way they were able to function on a day to day basis whilst using camomile.

In addition, studies suggest that this may be particularly relevant for menopausal and postpartum women, whose sleep is disturbed. Offering a safe and natural way to enhance sleep for these transitional phases. This emphasises its usefulness as a safe herbal medicine for improvement of sleep hygiene.

Drinking camomile tea before bedtime can expel worries and relaxation, leading to an easy way to obtain a peaceful slumber.

2. Lavender Tea

Apart from its lovely scent, Lavender Tea is also well-known for its ability to help you relax, which in turn enhances the quality of one’s sleep. This herbal tea which is prepared using the lavender has been worn by various communities in history for many centuries.

On the other hand, a recent survey of 79 college students suffering from sleep impairment underscored the role of good sleeping habits and the soothing effects associated with the plant.

Lavender patches, however, were worn by the subjects on their chests all night. These patches improved their sleep quality greatly. In such studies, participants may also start doing relaxation practices and drinking lavender tea before sleep which may improve sleep even more.

It is therefore reasonable to expect that adding lavender tea into your evening routine will help you relax, thereby making it easier to fall asleep.

3. Valerian Tea

The Valerian Tea is made from the root of the Valerian Plant and is considered a herbal remedy that promotes sleep in humans. This herb has been used since time immemorial to enhance relaxation and quality of sleep of the user. Valerian is thought to alter the levels of GABA, a neurotransmitter that excites or calms the nerves in the brain.

As evidenced in a meta-analysis accomplished in 2020 it was seen that valerian root might be efficient and safe in treating sleep disorders and anxiety. The review pointed out that valerian was beneficial in the treatment of insomnia in the major depressive disorder where the patient was anxious, and in the treatment of cases where children are overactive.

In the study, it stated that valerian was probably effective in the treatment of sleep disorders in some psychiatric patients. Such as those with anxiety disorders. The possibility of use of it as a selective drug was suggested in these situations.

Intake of valerian tea helps the subjects fall asleep faster, and also facilitates deeper and more restorative sleep.

4. Ashwagandha Tea

Ashwagandha Tea is famous for its adaptogenic functions that help in enhancing sleep. This tea which is traditionally made using the roots of ashwagandha plant is known for containing constituents that alleviate anxiety and stress, the two most known factors of compromised sleep. Regularly drinking Ashwagandha tea can also help people stay calm and relaxed and hence, obtain high-quality sleep undisturbed by unnecessary worries

The goal of a study carried out in 2020 was to determine the effectiveness of an Ashwagandha extract on sleep quality. In the course of the research, the researchers had 150 normal healthy subjects complaining of poor sleep. After the 6th week, those consuming the Ashwagandha noticed a respectable 72% change in their sleep habits. This compared to just 29% who noted any improvement in the placebo group.

The extract did not only increase the general quality of sleep but also brought about marked improvements on the different parameters. This includes sleep efficiency, sleep duration, sleep latency, sleep shrinkage, and wake after sleep onset.

In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, Ashwagandha has long been used as a natural remedy for various health issues including anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Its use in modern times has only increased due to its effectiveness in managing these conditions.

Making Ashwagandha tea a popular choice for those looking for an all-natural sleep solution.

5. Lemon Balm Tea

Lemon balm Tea is now surfacing as a natural solution aimed at helping with restful sleep. This pleasant herbal infusion made from the lemon balm plant (Melissa officinalis) has a soothing effect. It has been demonstrated to ease anxiety and enhance sleep, which makes it effective for people with insomnia or restlessness.

In 2011, one such significant study concluded that lemon balm could increase gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in mice, indicating a mild calming effect of the herb. However, it must be stressed that these results may have little practical value until additional work has been done to clarify these effects in humans.

As a general rule, incorporating a cup of soothing lemon balm tea into your routine has numerous positive aspects, with tricks for beating the hustle and bustle and simply helping calm and relax. Whether you want to sleep better, reduce anxiety or enhance your health, lemon balm tea may be the natural remedy you have been looking for.

6. Passion flower Tea

Passion flower Tea infused from the leaves and blossoms of the Passiflora plant is now gaining popularity due to its soothing effects and its ability to enhance the sleeping patterns. This herbal infusion which is made from a combination of antioxidant and flavonoid rich source, is believed to induce calmness through elevation of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) content in the brain which is a neurotransmitter that functions to ease stress and anxiety.

This explains why passion flower tea is often the ideal form of treatment for those suffering from insomnia, or any other conditions that make a night somewhat restless. Instead of treatments, it suffices to say that drinking a cup of this sweet-scented beverage before bed can make falling asleep much easier, hence influencing not only physical health but even psychological health.

A study published in 2019 indicated that sleep affected individuals who exhibited passion flower tea experienced palpable changes in the quality of sleep, with considerable reduction in anxiety. Thus be part of your evening regime as an alternative to various remedies for sleeplessness or for problems with falling asleep in a faster and simpler manner.

7. Tulsi Tea

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), also called Tulsi Holy Basil Tea, is an herbal medicine that is very well known for its adaptogenic activities which help the body to cope with stress. Many users have reported considerable diminishment of anxiety symptoms and this is one of the reasons why this product is very preferred by users for the therapeutic enhancement of mental wellbeing.

In a research effort carried out in 2022, the authors pinpointed the principles of tulsi – emphatically considering it as a desirable herb for usage by adults in stressful situations with sleep deprivation. For instance, those who put a tulsi supplement into their dietary plans were able to achieve lower stress levels and better sleep quality, an indication that such a multipurpose herb could effectively address these common concerns.

Other than the science of stress management, adopting it on a day to day basis promotes general well-being, as well as enhancing the quality of sleep. Since more and more people are now interested in such forms of healing, there is no harm in adding tulsi to one’s meals.

Finally it is apparent from the many benefits of the tulsi that it could be a desirable option of management of any improvement plans. Adopting tulsi could be the missing link to the attainment of a more balanced and healthier life.

8. Lullaby Tea

Lullaby Tea is a remarkable herbal blend designed to promote relaxation and enhance sleep quality. This thoughtful formulation includes linden flowers, which offer a sweet, floral flavor and calming aroma. These attributes help soothe nerves and reduce anxiety. Similarly, lemon balm contributes to the immune system’s health while promoting a sense of tranquility.

Lavender tea is renowned for its ability to mitigate stress hormones, further supporting a restful night’s sleep. Rose petals round out this blend, providing relief from menstrual discomfort—often a contributing factor to insomnia.

Even if your focus is on enjoying the delicious flavor, rather than immediate sleep benefits, Lullaby Tea delivers a delightful sensory experience. Infused with apple pieces, sweet blackberry leaves, orange blossoms, and mallow blossoms, this tea tantalises the taste buds with every sip.

Whether savoured in the morning, afternoon, or evening, it promises a satisfying treat that can be enjoyed at any time of day, making it a versatile addition to your wellness routine.

Tea for Sleep Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

We hope that this article has given you an insight into the importance of herbal teas and their advantages, primarily regarding relaxation and enhanced sleep quality. From the ordinary chamomile to extraordinary Lullaby Tea, the list of choices is never ending and can satisfy everyone’s tastes and preferences.

So why not give one of these teas a try tonight? Begin your journey to better sleep and healthier living by preparing yourself a cup of tea as an evening ceremony. Sleep well! But there are various herbal teas so find the one for yourself.

Cheers to a good night’s sleep and a good cup of tea!

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Author: Richard Smith

Partner at The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company

Richard Smith is a Tea expert, entrepreneur, and owner of The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company. Part of a family of renowned Tea planters dating back four generations, he was born in Calcutta (Kolkata), India, where he spent his childhood between Tea Estates in Assam and Darjeeling.

In the late 1970s, having accumulated years of knowledge in the industry, Mr Smith and his mother, Janet Smith, moved to Kent, South East England, to establish a Tea business in the village of Pluckley. Their early days of packing Tea Bags by hand from chests of 10,000 prompted the creation of the company’s flagship infusion known as Pluckley Tea. It remains our most popular product today.

Mr Smith, who studied economics at London Polytechnic, has since specialised in over 1,000 types of Loose Leaf Tea – in addition to around 70 varieties of Roast Coffee – from around the world. These are now available at The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company, where everything is still packed by hand and fresh to order, not only to honour tradition but to ensure the utmost quality and consistency.