A cup of tea is unbeatable for keeping you going throughout the day or for helping you relax and unwind after a long day at work.
Making tea is a relaxing process, especially if you use loose leaf tea and have to wait for it to brew until it's exactly how you like it.
Meanwhile, certain tea blends have been developed to help us get to sleep and possibly improve the quality of our sleep.
If you came here looking for teas to help you relax and rest, then stay on this page.
We've shared some of the best tea blends that have been tried and highly rated with the help of our customers.
How can tea help you unwind?
Most of us are aware of the trick of drinking a warm milky drink before bed to aid sleep, but what about tea? Is it possible that it can also help with relaxation and sleep?
As we all know, regular black tea contains caffeine, a stimulant found in coffee. Caffeine is not recommended for consumption before bedtime due to its stimulating properties.
This is because it can stimulate our brain and make us more alert, which is the opposite of what we want when we're trying to unwind.
Tea, on the other hand, does not contain as much caffeine as coffee. Tea contains 11mg of caffeine per 100g, according to reports. Coffee, on the other hand, contains 40mg per 100g, which is a significant difference.
Furthermore, tea contains an amino acid called theanine, which can help us sleep better.
It has also been linked to improving our cognitive abilities, such as memory and concentration levels.
Different teas contain varying amounts of l-theanine, with green tea having the highest concentration.
Overall, the combination of caffeine and l-theanine can make us feel more relaxed, and the process of drinking a nice hot cup of tea can have an effect on our mind and body.
SUMMARY
- Black tea contains 29mg less caffeine per 100g than coffee, making it less of a stimulant.
- It also contains the amino acid l-theanine, which has been shown to help us relax.
- Green tea has the highest concentration of l-theanine.
The best teas for unwinding
So far, we've discussed the relationship between black tea and relaxation, but there's also the world of herbal teas to consider.
The good news is that many herbal teas have been linked and proven to assist us in easing into our bedtime routine.
Five of them are listed below:
1. Green tea
As previously stated, green tea contains a high concentration of l-theanine, which contributes to its sleep-inducing properties. This is because it works by encouraging our brains to turn off and relax.
2. Chamomile
Chamomile has been widely reported to aid in relaxation and sleep. A 2019 review of research concluded that chamomile can significantly improve sleep quality.
Chamomile contains an antioxidant called apigenin, which binds to receptors in your brain that are responsible for making us feel sleepy.
As a result, it is well-known for being a mild tranquillizer that has undergone extensive research.
3. Peppermint
Because peppermint is naturally caffeine-free, it is a popular beverage for relaxation.
Furthermore, research has discovered that it has muscle relaxing properties, which may aid in relaxation before bedtime.
However, there is very little evidence that peppermint tea can help with sleep.
4. Valerian root tea
Valerian root, an Asian and European herb, contains gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), one of the main neurotransmitters responsible for sleep regulation. According to research, increasing our GABA levels can have a sedative effect on our bodies.
SUMMARY
Many herbal teas have been linked to promoting relaxation.
- Rooibos tea is naturally caffeine-free, while valerian roots contain a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating sleep.
- Peppermint tea may help with muscle relaxation, while chamomile tea has been shown to improve sleep quality.
In Conclusion
When you need help sleeping or relaxing, try one of the bedtime tea blends listed above, which have been tried and tested and come highly recommended by many of our customers.
Remember that what works for one person might not work for another. But, with so many different sleep/relaxation teas to choose from, we're confident you'll find something you enjoy drinking and that will help you with your bedtime routine.
Enjoy trying out all of the different blends, and best of luck in your search for the perfect tea for you.
The information in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used to replace medical care. Before attempting any supplements, treatments, or remedies, please consult with your doctor or a healthcare professional. Food supplements should not be used to replace a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
