Sleepytime tea stands out from other teas due to its inclusion of calming ingredients, notably chamomile. These ingredients possess the ability to soothe the nervous system and influence the neurotransmitters associated with sleep.
Chamomile, a flowering herb with a long history of promoting sleep, has been utilized for centuries. It is known to aid in alleviating insomnia, fostering overall well-being, and facilitating healthy sleep. While there have been several studies conducted on chamomile teas and their potential effectiveness, the direct impact on anxiety has yet to be definitively established. Other commonly found ingredients in sleepy teas include valerian root, passionflower, lemon balm, spearmint, and lemongrass.
Does Sleepytime Tea Work?
More research is required to fully understand the effectiveness of chamomile, but a recent short-term trial examined 40 healthy adults who consumed sleepytime tea daily. This tea included ingredients like valerian root and passionflower. The study monitored sleep quality in comparison to individuals who did not consume sleepytime tea. While scientific evidence supports the benefits of these ingredients, the psychological aspect of associating tea with sleep may also play a role in its effectiveness.
Incorporating the habit of drinking sleepy tea before bedtime contributes to good sleep hygiene. Unlike stimulant beverages such as regular tea or coffee, sleepy tea offers a soothing and comforting drink to enjoy before sleep.
What is in Sleepytime Tea?
Numerous variations of sleepytime tea are available, each offering a unique blend of ingredients. Some of the common ingredients found in these teas include:
- Chamomile
- Spearmint
- Lemongrass
- Orange blossom
- Rosebuds
Benefits of Drinking Sleepytime Tea
It Soothes and Relaxes
The primary herb found in Sleepytime tea, chamomile, is renowned for its relaxing and sleep-inducing properties. According to Mukherjee, drinking tea, in general, has a calming effect on the brain and body, promoting relaxation.
While there is limited research on chamomile specifically for its sleep-inducing and sleep quality-improving effects, a review conducted in June 2019 in Phytotherapy Research revealed that chamomile demonstrated improvements in sleep quality across multiple studies. However, it’s important to note that the studies included various forms of chamomile, such as topical and oral applications, which may not directly correlate to the amount or type typically found in tea.
It May Help With Anxiety
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), preliminary studies indicate that chamomile might have potential benefits for anxiety. However, the evidence remains inconclusive.
Sleepytime tea includes the herb tilia, also known as linden, which has potential benefits for inflammation, colds, and anxiety. According to anecdotal evidence and older studies, linden has shown promise in reducing anxiety, as demonstrated in a February 2009 research study published in “Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology.”
Sleepytime Lavender tea has been associated with anxiety reduction. A May 2020 study in “Complementary Therapies in Medicine” observed that lavender tea contributed to decreased depression and anxiety scores in 30 older adults.
Side Effects of Sleepytime Tea
It May Give You a Headache
A component found in Sleepytime Extra incorporates an herb known as valerian. Mukherjee explains that valerian has been linked to adverse effects such as headaches, dizziness, and gastrointestinal discomfort, particularly when consumed for extended durations.
According to the NCCIH, valerian might cause drowsiness upon waking in the morning and can lead to vivid dreams or dry mouth.
It Might Make You Drowsy
The possibility of the primary motive for consuming Sleepytime tea is that it comes with a cautionary label stating the avoidance of driving or operating machinery post-consumption. Inadvertently ingesting Sleepytime tea during daylight hours may pose an issue.
Long-Term Use May Affect Your Heart
Mukherjee cautions about potential heart problems arising from prolonged consumption of tilia leaves. Similarly, valerian root present exclusively in Sleepytime Extra can also lead to these issues.
Individuals with heart conditions are advised against consuming licorice, an ingredient found in Sleepytime Throat Tamer blend, as stated by the NCCIH. The extent of licorice content in the tea and its potential implications remain uncertain.
It Can Interact With Certain Medications
The selection of different Sleepytime herbal blends can lead to unintended interactions due to the complexities of herbs.
Stinging nettle, present in Sleepytime Sinus Soother, has the potential to interact with conditions such as blood clotting, blood pressure, and blood sugar, as stated by Mount Sinai. The effects of stinging nettle may amplify the impact of medications used to treat these conditions.
It Might Trigger Allergies
The majority of the herbs found in Sleepytime tea blends are generally safe, although it is conceivable to develop an allergy to any of the herbs. For instance, people with an allergy to daisies might also exhibit an allergic reaction to chamomile.
The NCCIH states that severe allergic reactions to echinacea, although uncommon, can occur in Sleepytime Echinacea Immune Boost.
How Long Does Sleepytime Tea Take to Work?
The time it takes for your tea to have an effect varies based on several factors: the duration since your last meal, your metabolism, and the steeping time of the tea.
To maximize the benefits, we advise steeping your tea for a complete 5 minutes. However, you may start feeling the effects within a range of 30 to 60 minutes.
When Is the Ideal Time to Drink Sleepy time Tea?
To ensure an uninterrupted night’s sleep, it is advisable to refrain from consuming any liquids, including sleepytime tea, approximately two hours prior to bedtime. To prevent waking up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom, it is recommended to enjoy your tea well in advance of going to bed.
Furthermore, if you engage in evening exercise, a cup of sleepytime tea following a cardio workout can aid in relaxation before sleep. It is important to note that steeping time plays a crucial role in maximizing the benefits of your tea. The longer you allow the tea to steep, the stronger its flavor becomes.
FAQs
Prolonged consumption of tilia leaves and valerian root, found exclusively in Sleepytime Extra, can potentially impact your heart, according to Mukherjee’s warning.
Add 1 cup of water to a cup with a tea bag. Let it steep for 4 to 6 minutes, then remove the bag. Sweeten if preferred and savor the taste.
Add the tea bags to a mug of hot water. Allow them to steep for 20 minutes, then extract the liquid from the tea bags back into the mug. Include the milk and serve promptly.