How can tea for sleep provide a better night's sleep?

Now that we've turned the clocks back an hour and the days feel shorter, many of us may be noticing changes in our sleep patterns. Lack of sleep can affect our mood, energy levels, and concentration, but luckily there's a simple and natural solution that can help: an evening routine and bedtime tea .

Herbal teas have long been a beloved companion for sleep and relaxation. For centuries, people have used soothing teas for sleep as part of their evening routine, often consisting of natural herbs like chamomile and valerian. Today, these herbs remain among the most popular ingredients in sleep teas.

Tea for sleep: What should you know?

A cup of tea can be part of a calming ritual before bed, but it's important to choose the right type of tea to avoid caffeine - which can have the opposite effect. You can read more about the different types of tea in our Tea School . Sleep tea should therefore be naturally caffeine-free and preferably contain herbs that promote relaxation. Here is an overview of some of the best calming plants that can help you find peace and prepare your body for sleep:

Chamomile tea : Chamomile tea is perhaps the most well-known calming tea, and many people turn to it to calm down in the evening. Chamomile flowers contain apigenin, which is known for its calming properties.

Rooibos : Also known as red tea, it hails from South Africa and is naturally caffeine-free, making it an excellent choice as a bedtime tea. This tea has a mild, sweet flavor with light vanilla and caramel notes, and contains several minerals like magnesium and calcium, which can have a calming effect.

Valerian root : Valerian root is an herb known to have a relaxing effect on the nervous system and can be helpful for those who have trouble falling asleep or wake up in the middle of the night. Valerian root can promote deeper sleep, but the taste can be quite strong and earthy. Many people therefore prefer a blend of valerian root along with milder herbs to make the taste more pleasant. We have done this in our Botanical Dream .

Tips for making tea part of your evening routine

Our bodies love routines, so creating a consistent evening routine can be an important step towards better sleep, and a cup of sleep tea can be a great part of that. Here are some tips for integrating tea into your evening ritual:

Set aside time: Plan to drink your tea at least an hour before bed. This gives your body time to calm down. It may be beneficial to not drink too large a cup as this can lead to unwanted visits to the bathroom during the night.

Make it a relaxing ritual : Light a candle, turn off the screens and enjoy the silence while drinking tea. Read a book or listen to calm music. Create your own calm atmosphere that prepares both body and mind for sleep.

Avoid caffeinated teas : While there are many types of tea, you should avoid caffeinated varieties like black and green tea in the evening. For some, these teas can be invigorating and make it harder to fall asleep. Instead, look for herbal teas or specialty blends labeled as relaxing teas .

Tea for Sleep: A Natural Aid

Including a calming tea as part of your evening routine can be an effective and simple way to get a better night’s sleep. There are many other aids out there in pill form, but tea is all-natural. Each herb has its own unique properties, and there are many sleep tea blends that may be worth trying. Drinking tea before bed can help calm both your body and mind, which can help you sleep deeper and more restful. If you’re curious about more calming teas, explore our categories like “ Relaxation Teas ” and “ Herbal Teas.” Here you’ll find a wide variety of teas that can support your sleep needs and give you a restful end to the day.

Sleep well!