Can Tea Make You Tired? Best Teas To Drink Before Bed

Tea is a popular beverage that’s consumed by people around the world. It’s typically made by steeping tea leaves or other herbs in hot water. Tea has a variety of flavors and types, including black, green, white, and herbal teas. But can tea make you tired, and which teas are best to drink before bed?

Teas derived from the tea plant — like black, green, and oolong — contain caffeine, which is best avoided before bed. Herbal teas like chamomile and valerian root, however, are typically caffeine free and known for their relaxing, soothing effects. Herbal teas may help you fall asleep more easily.

Because there are so many teas to choose from, it’s important to distinguish between the ones that might help ease you into a peaceful sleep and those that’ll do the opposite. Let’s take a closer look at the effects of tea and which types are best to try before bed.

Can Tea Make You Sleepy?

Woman drinking hot tea and reading book

Tea is a beverage that is widely consumed across the globe due to its refreshing taste and various health benefits. However, while it is often associated with providing energy and alertness, tea is also reported to cause drowsiness in some cases. So, why the discrepancy?

The effect of tea on sleep isn’t straightforward. Certain types of tea contain specific compounds that can have a calming effect, promoting relaxation and sleepiness. However, many teas also contain caffeine, a stimulant that can keep you awake and alert.

When it comes to relaxation, chamomile herbal tea (on Amazon) often a go-to option because it contains apigenin. This flavonoid binds to certain receptors in the brain, causing a soothing effect. 

Studies have shown that chamomile can help improve sleep quality, making it a popular choice for those who have difficulty falling or staying asleep. Another option is valerian root tea (on Amazon), which contains valeric acid and is known for its soothing effects. 

Valerian root tea is often recommended for individuals who have trouble sleeping due to anxiety or stress.

Additional Options

Other teas known for their calming effects include lavender, lemon balm, and passionflower, all of which contain compounds that reduce stress and promote relaxation, potentially leading to sleepiness. 

However, traditional teas such as black tea, green tea, and oolong tea, which contain caffeine, can have the opposite effect and interfere with sleep if consumed too close to bedtime.

Therefore, whether tea can make you sleepy depends significantly on the type of tea and the individual’s sensitivity to its compounds. 

It’s best to choose calming teas, such as chamomile or valerian root tea, and avoid consuming caffeine-containing tea close to bedtime. It’s essential to select the right tea for your needs and body and avoid caffeine, which can hinder sleep.

Which Teas Are Best to Drink Before Bed?

Ensuring a restful night’s sleep is paramount to maintaining good health and well-being. Numerous natural remedies may help achieve this, including drinking tea before bedtime. 

Nonetheless, not all types of tea are equally beneficial for promoting sleep. Here are some of the most highly recommended teas to drink before bed:

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile is a widely popular herbal tea known for its soothing and relaxing properties. It contains apigenin, an antioxidant that binds to specific receptors in the brain, resulting in reduced anxiety and better sleep.

Valerian Root Tea

Valerian root tea has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for sleep disorders. It’s made from the roots of the valerian plant and contains compounds that increase the levels of GABA in the brain, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and sleep.

Lavender Tea

Lavender tea is a fragrant and calming tea made from the flowers of the lavender plant. It’s known for its calming effects on the mind and body and has been proven to enhance sleep quality and duration.

Passionflower Tea

Passionflower tea (on Amazon) is made from the passionflower plant’s leaves, stems, and flowers. It contains compounds that sedate the body, making it an excellent choice for promoting relaxation and sleep.

Lemon Balm Tea

Lemon balm tea (on Amazon) is an herbal tea with a pleasant lemony flavor that has been shown to have calming effects on the body, reducing anxiety and promoting sleep.

Which Types of Tea Contain Caffeine?

There are several factors to consider when assessing tea’s caffeine content, including the tea type and preparation. 

Teas made from the Camellia sinensis plant, such as black tea, green tea, and oolong tea, typically contain caffeine, while herbal teas are usually caffeine-free (you can read more about this in our guide here).

However, even among teas made from Camellia sinensis, the caffeine content can vary, with black tea containing the most caffeine on average, followed by oolong tea and green tea.

It’s worth noting that various factors can influence tea’s caffeine content, including the type of tea, its growing location, and how it’s processed. 

Additionally, the brewing time and water temperature can impact caffeine extraction from the leaves. Shorter brew times and cooler water temperatures result in less caffeine being released.

Caffeine-free and herbal teas, such as chamomile, peppermint, and rooibos, are good choices. These teas are known for their soothing properties, making them an ideal option for unwinding or bedtime. 

Overall, understanding tea’s caffeine content can help individuals make informed decisions about their tea consumption and avoid unnecessary caffeine intake.

Does Herbal Tea Have Caffeine?

Herbal teas are typically caffeine-free because they’re derived from various naturally caffeine-free plants. 

These teas, also referred to as tisanes, are prepared by steeping an assortment of herbs, fruits, flowers, and spices in hot water. Chamomile, peppermint, ginger, hibiscus, and rooibos are the most popular herbal teas.

However, it is noteworthy that certain herbal blends may contain caffeine if combined with other ingredients, such as tea leaves or yerba mate. 

Some blends marketed as “herbal tea” may contain green or black tea leaves. These are known to contain caffeine. 

For these reasons, it’s advisable to always review the ingredients list or caffeine content of any herbal tea blends you are contemplating drinking, particularly if you’re sensitive to caffeine.

Will Caffeinated Tea Keep Me Awake?

Indoor shot of a smiling asian woman drinking tea

Consuming caffeinated tea, especially close to bedtime, can impede sleep because caffeine is a stimulant that heightens alertness. As we mentioned earlier, the amount of caffeine in tea can vary depending on the tea type, brewing technique, and steeping duration. 

Generally, black tea contains more caffeine than green tea, and herbal teas are devoid of caffeine. 

It’s best to avoid consuming caffeinated tea or any other caffeinated beverage in the evening or before bedtime, particularly if you have difficulty sleeping or are sensitive to caffeine. 

Instead, try drinking non-caffeinated herbal teas, such as chamomile or valerian root, which are believed to have soothing and sleep-promoting qualities.

Coffee vs. Tea 

Coffee and tea are two of the most commonly consumed beverages in the world. While they share many similarities, one of the key differences is their caffeine content. These beverages are often consumed for their energizing effects. 

Let’s take a closer look at differences between coffee and tea in terms of caffeine content, taste, and other factors.

Caffeine Content

On average, coffee contains more caffeine than tea. For example, a standard cup of coffee contains approximately 95 mg of caffeine, while a cup of tea contains about 30 mg. 

However, the caffeine content in both beverages can vary significantly depending on several factors, such as the type of coffee or tea, the brewing method, and the serving size.

The amount of caffeine in coffee is also influenced by the type of coffee beans used. For example, Robusta beans contain more caffeine than Arabica beans. 

Similarly, the brewing method can impact caffeine content; espresso, for instance, has a higher caffeine content than drip coffee.

On the other hand, tea comes in different types and varieties, which can contain varying amounts of caffeine. Black tea, for example, has more caffeine than green or white tea, while herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free. 

Moreover, tea’s caffeine content is also influenced by the length of steeping time.

Taste

Coffee and tea differ significantly in taste due to their distinct preparation methods. Coffee is brewed by mixing ground coffee beans with hot water, producing a robust and slightly bitter flavor.

On the other hand, tea is prepared by steeping tea leaves or herbs in hot water, resulting in a milder flavor. Therefore, the tea taste can vary depending on the tea used and the steeping time.

Other Factors

Besides caffeine content and taste, several other factors can be considered when comparing coffee and tea. 

For instance, coffee’s high caffeine content is known to cause jitters and anxiety in some people. Conversely, tea contains an amino acid called L-theanine, which has a calming effect.

Tea is also a good source of antioxidants, which help protect the body from oxidative stress. At the same time, coffee has been associated with potential health benefits, such as reducing the risk of certain diseases.

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