For many people, evening tea is a pleasant ritual before bed, helping to set a calm mood and relax. However, experts point out that when choosing a drink for the night, it is important to consider its effect on sleep and overall health. Traditional black and green teas, which people often consume before bed, contain compounds that can increase alertness and energy. Therefore, it is not recommended drinking black or green tea right before sleep, as it may interfere with a restful night. The optimal choice for evening tea is herbal drinks that have calming and sedative properties. Examples include:
- Cardamom tea.
Cardamom helps relax the airways, which is beneficial for those with breathing issues. Additionally, it relieves tension, helping to unwind after a long day and fall asleep effortlessly. Cardamom improves digestion, reduces bloating and gas, making sleep more comfortable. Moreover, it is not only a delicious but also a very beneficial drink that supports various body systems, contributing to better recovery during nighttime rest.
- Barberry tea.
Barberry is known for its calming and sedative properties, so it is often used to relieve stress and anxiety. These qualities help reduce nervous tension, making it easier to relax before sleep. Additionally, this tea can be useful for those who suffer from high blood pressure or simply want to improve their overall well-being. Lowering blood pressure in combination with the relaxing properties of barberry creates ideal conditions for deep and restful sleep.
- Hibiscus and fennel tea.
This drink has several beneficial properties that make it an excellent choice before bed. When you add hibiscus to your tea, it acts as a calming agent, helping you relax and unwind after a long day, which makes falling asleep easier. Fennel, in turn, improves digestion and reduces bloating, making sleep more comfortable. It also has calming properties that positively affect nighttime rest. To properly brew these herbs, use warm water. Also, remember not to leave this tea overnight, as it will lose its benefits. It’s better to brew it in a small cup that you can drink in about 10 minutes.
Regardless of the herbal tea you choose, it’s still best to consume it about 2 hours before bed. This will allow your body to effectively prepare for a healthy and restful sleep.
Experts also recommend paying attention to how the tea is prepared. Since higher water temperatures during brewing can reduce the tea’s benefits, it’s better to use water heated to 176 °F — 194 °F (80 °C — 90 °C). Additionally, diluting the tea with milk and adding honey can make the drink softer and less stimulating. By following these simple guidelines, you can select the optimal evening tea that not only helps you relax before bed but also ensures strong, healthy, and long-lasting rest. This, in turn, will help restore energy and improve your overall well-being the following day.
But there are days when even a warm drink doesn’t help you fall asleep, and you stay awake all night. As a result, you wake up feeling drowsy and lacking the energy to complete your tasks. In such cases, to stay productive throughout the day, consider taking medications like Waklert and Artvigil. These can help combat daytime sleepiness and restore your ability to work effectively.
