Many of us had a bedtime routine of taking a warm bath before bed in our childhood. This is because it helps to go to sleep faster. While it still remains true when you grow up, most of us prefer a shower in the morning. You can still reap the benefit of a hot bath by drinking a hot cup of calming tea. Tea derives sedative effects from its compounds that affect the nervous system. In turn, the nervous system triggers the body to relax, helping you get to sleep faster and longer.
At Cuddledown, your sleep matters to us. So, we’ve put together a list of evening teas to help you unwind. These bedtime teas can help relieve symptoms of insomnia naturally.
- Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea acts as a mild tranquilliser. A study has shown that extracts from chamomile reduce symptoms of stress in patients clinically diagnosed with anxiety. Chamomile tea alleviates stress on nerves and muscles -encouraging relaxation. With a more relaxed body and mind, you can sleep more peacefully.
There is ongoing research to discover more benefits of chamomile tea. Yet, its strong potential to put you to sleep easily have been proven.
- Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea is a hybrid of extracts from the leaves of watermint and spearmint plants. Like many other herbal teas, peppermint tea is not only caffeine-free but also contains muscle-relaxing compounds. These muscle relaxants induce feelings of calmness which work in your favour at bedtime.
If you suffer from indigestion and bloating, which hinder a restful sleep, peppermint tea can help relieve the symptoms. It has anti-inflammatory properties and is known as anti-stress tea. Both of these properties stimulate calmness to give you a tranquil snooze.
- Lemongrass Tea
Lemongrass tea is an exceptional resource for the sleep-deprived. Lemongrass stimulates calmness by prompting the release of hormones that monitor sleep. It mainly activates the release of serotonin which is a happiness hormone. Serotonin has been connected with boosting mood. Lemongrass tea is especially helpful for people who are restless before bedtime. Serotonin helps enhance the feelings of contentment while the sedative effects of the tea reduce tension.
- Green Tea
Green tea is often associated with physical health because of its antioxidant properties. However, green tea is also incredible for mental health. Like many other herbal teas, green tea is great for reducing anxiety and stress. Green tea is rich in an amino acid called L-threonine. L-threonine has been associated with reducing exhaustion and facilitating better sleep. It counteracts the jitters brought on by caffeine intake throughout the day, bringing peacefulness to the body.
- Lavender Tea
Lavender is well known for its calmness inducing properties. That's why it is used in everything from bath salts to aromatic therapies. Lavender tea is a great drink to wind down after a busy day and get ready for more serene snooze. To make the best of its benefits, make sure to inhale the aroma of your lavender tea with each sip.
Slip into sweet dreams with sip of any of these bedtime teas. A quick tip for your perfect sip; use loose leaf tea instead of teabags. When you wake up in the morning, ready for the day, feeling rejuvenated, you will thank yourself.
Tea offers endless benefits with its versatility. It has always been used as a cure-all. From Asian monks and the ancient Greeks to the British dominion and American ethical coaches, everyone uses tea as a health elixir. Some teas are helpful to wake you up for the day while others can help you get a restful sleep. Read more: 10 Tips to Get a Better Night's Sleep.
Hopefully, you have found your favourite bedtime tea on our list. Or the next time someone asks, “What tea will you recommend to help unwind?” You’ll know the answer.
