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The Best Teas for Sleep in 2024
Whether it's because of work stress, a busy schedule, or an overactive mind, a good night's sleep can sometimes feel like a faraway dream. Instead of counting sheep or staring at the ceiling, try indulging in tea before you lie down and fall asleep. Teas for sleep boast calming properties and natural ingredients that can help relax your mind and your body.
To help you find the perfect bedtime brew, we've reviewed the best teas for sleep in 2024. We’re especially fond of the Aprika Life sleep tea because of its powerful blend of all-natural ingredients. Keep reading to see which tea is right for your rest and relaxation needs.
Our Top Picks
View all ContentsThe Best Teas for Sleep
Best Overall
Aprika Life’s tea for sleep is a perfect nighttime companion. It can gently lull you into a peaceful slumber. Formulated with 12 powerful and all-natural herbs, this tea can help you relax your mind, calm your nerves, and soothe your senses. The expertly crafted blend is completely free from caffeine, gluten, and artificial ingredients that might otherwise make you feel jittery or restless.
Simply place one tea bag in eight ounces of boiling water, and steep it for anywhere from five to seven minutes. Then, let the comforting aroma and flavors of the tea drift you off to dreamland. This sleep-inducing tea comes in a resealable bag so you can enjoy a warm cup every night without worrying about it losing potency or flavor. Because of its herbal ingredients, easy brewing method, and amazing flavor, this tea for sleep is at the top of our list.
Pros
- Promotes relaxation and peaceful sleep
- Caffeine-free and gluten-free
- Resealable bag ensures freshness
Cons
- May not suit all taste preferences
Best Value
Sip your way to sweet dreams with Bigelow Sweet Dreams teas for sleep. Made with comforting chamomile and soothing mint, this calming tea can help you relax. It plays a key role in helping you unwind after a long day and promoting healthy sleep patterns. As you indulge in this delicious tea, you can feel good knowing that it is gluten-free, calorie-free, and kosher.
This tea can be enjoyed either hot or cold. As a result, it’s a versatile option no matter the season or your personal preference. Each tea bag comes individually wrapped in foil pouches, ensuring total freshness and utmost quality in every cup. With its delicious aroma and flavorful taste, this tea for sleep will become a cherished part of your nightly routine.
Pros
- Calming herbal blend
- Delectable flavor with an enticing aroma
- 120 individually-wrapped tea bags
Cons
- Flavor might be too mild for some
Best for Stress Relief
The Celestial Seasonings tea for sleep is a great solution for anyone who struggles to fall asleep at night. Formulated with a unique blend of chamomile and valerian root, this tea can improve sleep quality, reduce anxiety, improve symptoms of OCD, and reduce hyperactive behavior, ensuring you can finally get your much-needed rest.
There are no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives in this tea. Instead, it only contains pure ingredients. It’s the perfect way to calm your mind and your body before you drift off to sleep. Plus, it’s easy to make. Simply steep one tea bag in hot water for four to six minutes. Let it cool for a moment and then feel free to sip on your cup—you’ll feel the effects of this tea in no time.
Pros
- Calms the mind and reduces anxiety
- Free from artificial flavors
- Hassle-free brewing process
Cons
- May not work for severe insomnia
Best Herbal Flavor
Do you often wake up in the middle of the night and have trouble falling back to sleep? If so, Traditional Medicinals’ tea for sleep may be the answer you’ve been looking for. This sleep-inducing tea features a blend of passionflower, valerian root, lemon balm, and peppermint. All of these ingredients are known to promote relaxation and calmness. Plus, this tea boasts an earthy and satisfyingly herbal taste, which will make your mouth feel fresh and clean after every sip.
This tea is caffeine-free, so if you’re looking for something that will help you unwind without keeping you up all night or making your heart race, this is a great choice. It’s also non-GMO and kosher, meaning it’s safe for everyone. The tea is lab-tested to ensure purity and safety, so you can trust that it won’t have any negative effects on your health.
Pros
- Potent herbal formulation
- Caffeine-free and non-GMO
- Lab-tested for purity
Cons
- Aroma may be unpleasant for some
Best Organic Option
The Numi Sweet Slumber teas for sleep can help wash away the day and create a state of calmness as you prepare to fall asleep. It contains chamomile, lavender, and valerian root. These ingredients work together to create a sedative effect without causing next-day grogginess. As a result, it can be an amazing nightcap.
The tea does not contain any artificial flavors or sweeteners. As such, it’s perfect for people who are trying to avoid processed foods and additives. It’s certified as a USDA organic product, so you can rest easy knowing that this product is safe to drink. It shouldn’t upset your stomach or cause any allergic reactions either. This delicious tea comes in convenient, individually wrapped tea bags that make it easy to brew. Plus, it has a mild, soothing taste that won’t overpower your palate.
Pros
- Soothing herbal blend for maximum effect
- Caffeine-free to prevent jitters
- Free from harmful allergens
Cons
- Doesn’t contain any other vitamins
Buying Guide: Teas for Sleep
With so many available options, choosing the right tea to lull you into a peaceful slumber can be challenging. But with our buying guide, you can look at all the important factors worth considering, like the ingredients, flavor, quality, and form. We hope our guide helps you pick the perfect nighttime brew to add to your pre-bedtime routine.
Ingredients
The key to a successful sleep-inducing tea comes down to the ingredients in the tea. Some herbs have natural sedative properties that can help you relax and drift off to sleep. Chamomile, for instance, is a popular choice. Known for its calming effects, chamomile is a must. Similarly, valerian root is another potent sleep aid that is often used to ease insomnia and anxiety. Lemon balm, passionflower, and lavender are also great options. They can all reduce stress and promote a sense of calm. When selecting your tea, look for blends that feature these sleep-enhancing herbs to ensure a restful night.
Flavor
When it comes to selecting a tea for sleep, flavor plays a crucial role. After all, you’ll want to enjoy sipping your way to slumber. Look for herbal teas like chamomile, lavender, and passionflower. These are calming, soothing flavors that can help you relax and unwind. If you’re a fan of minty freshness, consider peppermint or spearmint tea instead. These teas can assist you with your digestion while promoting total relaxation. For those who prefer a hint of sweetness, look for blends that incorporate ingredients like licorice root, honey, or stevia. Since taste is subjective, feel free to explore different flavors and combinations. Keep searching until you find the ones that delight your taste buds.
Caffeine Content
Caffeine and sleep don’t mix well. To avoid tossing and turning all night, stick to caffeine-free teas. Most herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free, making them an excellent choice to sip on at nighttime. However, it’s essential to double-check the label because some teas contain trace amounts of caffeine, which might disrupt your peaceful sleep.
Quality
The quality of your tea can significantly impact its taste and effectiveness. To get the most out of your sleep-inducing brew, opt for high-quality and organic tea leaves and herbs. Organic teas are free from pesticides and chemicals. They also ensure a more pure and all-natural flavor. Additionally, high-quality teas often contain more potent and effective ingredients. This makes them a better choice when you want to promote relaxation and better sleep. If possible, opt for USDA-certified tea blends.
Loose Leaf vs. Tea Bags
When it comes to choosing between loose-leaf tea and tea bags, there are several factors to consider. Loose-leaf teas have more room to expand. They release their essential oils during the brewing process, meaning they offer a fresher and more robust flavor. However, they can be a bit more time-consuming to prepare. This is because you’ll need a tea infuser or teapot with a built-in strainer. On the other hand, tea bags are quick and convenient. So, they are perfect for those who want a hassle-free bedtime tea routine. But keep in mind that some tea bags may contain lower-quality tea leaves or added fillers. To experience the best of both worlds, look for tea bags that contain whole-leaf teas. Also, double-check that they are made from biodegradable materials.
FAQ
What is the best time to drink sleep-inducing teas?
The best time to drink sleep-inducing tea is about 30 minutes to an hour before bedtime. This allows enough time for your body to absorb the tea. From there, the tea’s calming effects can then take effect.
Can drinking tea before bed disrupt sleep due to the need to urinate?
While some herbal teas have diuretic properties, the impact they have on your quality of sleep will typically be minimal. However, if you are particularly sensitive to fluid intake before bed, limit your fluid intake sooner. This is also sage advice if you have a pre-existing medical condition that affects your urination patterns.
Can drinking teas for sleep help with insomnia?
Drinking tea for sleep can be helpful for individuals who are experiencing mild to moderate insomnia. The calming and soothing effects of certain herbal teas can help relax your mind and your body. This can make it easier for you to fall asleep and stay asleep all night long. However, if you have chronic or severe insomnia, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional. This is because there might be underlying causes that require additional treatment or other types of interventions.
Are there any potential side effects of sleep-inducing teas?
Sleep-inducing teas are generally safe when consumed in moderation. However, some individuals may experience mild side effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness, or gastrointestinal discomfort. Additionally, certain herbs may interact with medications. They might also have negative effects on individuals with specific medical conditions. If you have any concerns or pre-existing health conditions yourself, you must consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating sleep-inducing teas into your nighttime routine.
Can I combine different sleep-inducing teas for stronger effects?
Combining different sleep-inducing teas can be a personal preference. Doing so may provide you with additional benefits. Many herbal teas have complementary properties. As such, taking them together can enhance their calming effects. For example, combining chamomile and lavender can yield a soothing blend that promotes relaxation. However, it's important to pay attention to how your body responds and then adjust accordingly. Some individuals may find that certain combinations are too potent. In turn, they can lead to excessive drowsiness or discomfort.
