Sleep is one of the most important needs for mental and physical health. Just as we provide the health of our body from food, we also ensure the health of our minds from sleep. Most people lack a healthy night's sleep. So which teas are good for a good sleep?
Drinking a cup of tea can be part of a healthy sleep routine . The best teas for sleep are herbal teas, partly because they are caffeine-free. Many herbal teas contain compounds that bind to GABA receptors (neurotransmitters) in the brain, reducing the time it takes to fall asleep and helping you fall asleep. Sipping a cup of tea before bed can help train your brain when it's time to prepare for sleep, experts say. Here are the best teas to help you fall asleep faster and have a better night's sleep overall.
1. DAISY
Chamomile is an herb that has been used as a sleeping pill for centuries. It is the main ingredient in "bedtime" teas these days. Chamomile is a mild sedative that contains apigenin, a chemical that acts on benzodiazepine receptors in the brain, similar to how some medications like Ambien help treat insomnia. Drink a cup of chamomile tea an hour or two before bed to help you sleep, experts say.
2. MELISA
Melissa is a member of the mint family. It contains a compound called rosmarinic acid that acts on GABA receptors and facilitates sleep. Little research shows that lemon balm is effective at reducing insomnia, depression, and anxiety, which can often lead to problems falling asleep or staying asleep. She says lemon balm is also an antioxidant that can boost the immune system, so it provides additional benefits during the winter and fall months when colds and flu often interrupt sleep. To use balm for sleep, drink a glass of lemon balm tea two hours before bedtime. You can drink it warm or cold.
3. LAVENDER OIL
There are many studies showing that lavender in various forms can improve sleep, but research specifically on the effectiveness of lavender tea is controversial. It has found that lavender oil supplementation may slightly improve sleep quality, help you sleep longer, and reduce nighttime awakenings.
There is some evidence to suggest that lavender aromatherapy may only have a short-term effect on sleep quality, and the same could be true for drinking lavender tea. To try lavender tea for sleep, brew a cup about two hours before bed and take time to smell the lavender scent from the tea.
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