Do you need help catching some Z’s? Tossing and turning during the night is not fun and can make the next day even worse. We all know that a good night sleep is important but unfortunately it is not always easy to achieve. Luckily, there are some herbal teas that may help you fall asleep faster and actually stay asleep the entire night, too. The simple act of putting the kettle on before bed and sipping on a warm cup of tea that is filled with natural sleep-promoting herbs might improve your night time routine. Wouldn’t you love to be just one steep away from a more restful sleep? Get started with this list of the best sleep teas that will have you drifting off to dreamland in no time.
*Note: This post contains affiliate links. Clicking these links won’t cost you anything extra. Any commission earned goes toward providing original content for The Cup of Life.
The best sleep teas and herbs listed in this article are considered natural sleep remedies. It’s always important to talk with your doctor before consuming any herbs for sleep.
Tips for Better Sleep
- Create a restful environment. Try to keep your bedroom for sleep only. Don’t do work there.
- Avoid alcohol after dinner. It can disrupt your sleep!
- Turn technology off at least an hour before bedtime. This includes cell phones, computers, tablets and television.
- Block the clock, don’t stare at it!
- Limit caffeine later in the day. Coffee and caffeinated tea are obvious ones but keep an eye out for hidden caffeine, too (ie. chocolate!)
- Take time to relax your mind before bed. Curl up with a good book, soak in the bath, or meditate, even if it’s just for 15 minutes.
Best Herbs for Sleep
Chamomile
Chamomile is one of the most popular herbs that is recommended as a natural sleep aid. The essential oils from the chamomile flowers may help calm the nervous system.
The chemical compound found in the flower, apigenin, may also help calm the mind and thus, induce sleepiness.
The science behind this caffeine-free herbal infusion makes it a great bedtime tea.
The taste of chamomile tea is floral, apple-like and soothing.
RELATED READ: The Best Chamomile Tea Latte Recipe
Valerian Root
Valerian is an herb native to Europe and Asia. However, today it grows wild in other areas, including North America.
The roots of the plant is used to make tea and contains a number of compounds.
Valerian root may help ease anxious feelings, reduce the amount of time it takes to fall asleep as well as improve sleep quality. Read more here.
The taste of Valerian root tea can actually be a bit off-putting thanks to its very pungent aroma. While the flowers of the plant may smell okay, the root does not. This herb is best when combined with other ingredients.
Lavender
Similar to chamomile, the essential oils present in lavender can promote relaxation.
This can be done by either inhaling the essential oil via a candle or diffuser, applying it topically via soap or lotion, or ingesting it as a tea. The relaxation effect can help relieve stress and improve sleep.
The taste of lavender tea is quite floral. Depending on the source, it can be a bit perfume-like, too. This is another herb that I enjoy more when it is blended with other ingredients.
Passionflower
Passionflower is a climbing vine flower with white and purple or blue petals. Historically, this herb is used to treat anxiety and insomnia as it acts as a mild sedative.
It is works by increasing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain which promotes relaxation. You can learn more about the study that showed this here.
The taste of passionflower tea is mild and earthy.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is part of the mint family. It is used in traditional medicine as both a sleep and digestive aid.
This herb is said to soothe symptoms of stress and therefore help you to relax. When lemon balm is combine with Valerian root it may help relieve restlessness and improve sleep.
The taste of lemon balm tea is somewhat similar to mint with a citrus undertone.
How to Use Herbs for Sleep
There are a variety of ways to use the natural herbs listed above for better sleep.
You can infuse them in oil and lather it on before bed.
You can add some to an herbal bath for a nice night time soak.
But, the most popular way is by consuming these herbs for sleep and the best way to do that is steeping them like tea!
Best Sleep Teas To Help You Fall Asleep
Find a new favourite tea for bedtime below! All of these recommendations are naturally caffeine-free. The list is in no particular order.
1. Sleep Tea from Art of Tea
This organic blend is one of the best sleep teas because it has four out of the five best herbs for sleep!
Art of Tea’s Sleep Tea is a beautiful blend of chamomile, spearmint, lemon balm, valerian, lemongrass, passionflowers and rose petals.
With a smooth, floral and minty flavour, this sleepytime tea is not only calming but it tastes great, too.
2. Nitey Nite from Loose Leaf Tea Market
This sleep-promoting herbal bedtime tea was created for those that experience insomnia and indigestion that interferes with sleep.
Nitey Nite is blended with passion flower, Valerian, California poppy, chamomile, spearmint and clove. All of the ingredients in this sleep tea blend are certified organic.
California Poppy is another herb that is sometimes used in combination with others for trouble sleeping. It can taste bitter, however the spearmint and clove in this blend add a gentle sweetness and spice to the flavour profile.
3. Rest from Pinky Up Tea
If you’re looking for a sleep tea that is more fruity than herbaceous, then this one may be for you!
Rest starts with a fruit infused and woodsy base of red rooibos, ginger, apple, blueberry. Valerian root and lavender finish off the tea to support sleep and comfort.
I personally like this one either hot or iced because of the juicy flavours. So, if an iced sleep tea is your thing give this one a try!
4. Lavender Moon Herbal Tea from Tielka Tea
Blended and packaged by hand in Agnes Water, Queensland, Australia, Lavender Moon is an award winning herbal wellness tea.
Made with lavender, lemongrass, jasmine flowers, licorice root and valerian root, the taste is fresh and floral with a natural sweetness that lingers. There’s just the right amount of valerian root added to work its sleepy magic!
For best results, Tielka Tea recommends enjoying this tea in the evening for at least two weeks.
5. Sleep Herbal Wellness Tea from Amoda Tea
Formulated based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles, this herbal wellness tea is made entirely with the 5 best herbs for sleep and is 100% organic!
Passion flower and Valerian root work together to help you fall asleep and stay asleep. Chamomile and lavender provide soothing floral notes and there is also a hint of citrus in the taste thanks to lemon balm.
Best of all, this deep sleep tea will have you waking up feeling refreshed, not groggy!
Amoda Tea recommends a steep of 8+ minutes of this Chinese herbal tea for sleep. This longer steep will bring out full flavour and health benefits.
6. Sleepytime Tea from Celestial Seasonings
When I think of a sleep tea I am often reminded of one of the first sleep teas I ever tried – Sleepytime Tea by Celestial Seasonings. I refer to this one as the original bedtime tea as today there are a few variations.
I have always enjoyed the original Sleepytime Tea but there is also a Sleepytime Tea with Honey or Mint or Vanilla or Peach and an Extra Strength.
Sleepytime Tea consists of chamomile, spearmint, lemongrass, tilia flowers, blackberry leaves, orange blossoms, hawthorn and rosebuds. The ingredient list is similar for the other variations plus the added flavouring of course.
Sleepytime Extra is stronger than the original because it has Valerian root in the blend.
Available in tea bags only.
7. Lights Out from The Tea Spot
This caffeine-free sleepy tea will help you turn those lights out and drift away to dreamland.
It’s an organic blend of hibiscus, peppermint, licorice root, lavender, chamomile and Valerian root.
Since lavender, chamomile and Valerian root are part of the list of best herbs for sleep they can help you unwind and find peace of mind. Hibiscus provides a tart flavour for the ruby red infusion while peppermint and licorice root make for a cooling and naturally sweet aftertaste.
Available in plant-based sachet tea bags or loose leaf. A 5 serving sample size is also an option if you just want to try this herbal tea and not commit to a large size right away.
Like this best sleep teas post? Pin it for later here –> https://bit.ly/3D76B3Y
Do you have a favourite tea for bedtime? If there is a tea that should be added to this best sleep teas list, let me know in the comments!
Herbal teas are good for sleep as they reduce the stress and leads you to a good sleep.