Does Sleepytime Tea really work (or is it all just a placebo)?

On average, around 5 billion cups of tea are consumed every day worldwide. Tea is also the most popular drink after water, so it makes sense that there are different types of tea that you can enjoy, whatever your mood. Need a hit of caffeine? Drink some black tea. Need a little caffeine, but don’t want the jitters? Drink some white tea. Do you feel wide awake, but it’s midnight? Drink some bedtime tea. While caffeinated drinks are the real deal and will give you a scientifically proven energy boost, the idea that caffeine-free teas will help with insomnia or anxiety may seem too good to be true.

Not everyone wants to bother with melatonin supplements, as some users experience side effects the next day like strange dreams (if you know), dizziness, and even brain fog. Sleepytime teas are a good alternative for those who want to relax and can help with sleep. Although there are many different sleepy tea blends, chamomile is usually a key ingredient. Some studies show that chamomile promotes relaxation and has a positive effect on sleep quality. While chamomile sleep tea may not cure your insomnia or ease your worries, it is a soothing way to end your day and can help you enjoy a better night’s sleep.

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Does Sleepytime Tea Have Side Effects?

A person sitting relaxed on a sofa and holding a cup of tea

A person relaxing on a sofa and holding a cup of tea – Westend61/Getty Images

While there is some evidence that sleepytime tea helps with sleep, the effects could also be due to a placebo. This means that people can sleep better after drinking sleepytime tea, because they think they will sleep better and therefore mentally prepare themselves for a restful night. Drinking bedtime tea can also be part of relaxing relaxation routines. Whether it works or not, there are few downsides to enjoying a hydrating cup of tea, although some common ingredients may cause mild side effects in certain individuals, such as headaches, stomachaches, and dizziness. These side effects have been especially observed with brands of tea that contain high amounts of valerian, a root often associated with promoting sleep.

Some herbal teas should not be consumed in large quantities during pregnancy, especially green tea. However, this is due to the naturally occurring caffeine, meaning you’re unlikely to find many brands of sleepytime tea made specifically with green tea leaves. While simple herbal teas won’t drastically change your sleep schedule, they can certainly be a safe and relaxing drink to enjoy before bed.

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