The best herbal teas for a good night's sleep

A good night’s sleep is worth its weight in gold. But if you find yourself tossing and turning in bed at night and just can’t seem to fall asleep, a cup of herbal tea can do wonders. Some herbs are known for their calming properties and can help you relax and sleep better. Wondering which tea works best for your night’s sleep? Here are the best herbal teas for a deep and restful sleep.

The best herbal teas for a good night's sleep

1. Chamomile – the classic relaxant

Chamomile is perhaps the most well-known herbal tea when it comes to relaxation. This gentle, floral herb contains apigenin , an antioxidant that binds to receptors in the brain and has a calming effect. Perfect for calming your mind and body before bed.

2. Valerian Root – Natural Sleep Aid

Valerian root has been used for centuries as a natural sleep aid. It helps with insomnia and reduces stress and anxiety. Many people find that they fall asleep faster and experience a deeper, uninterrupted night's sleep after drinking a cup of valerian tea.

3. Lavender – soothing scent and deep relaxation

Lavender is not only known for its wonderful scent, but also for its calming effect. A cup of lavender tea helps your body relax and can help you fall asleep faster. Extra tip: combine lavender tea with chamomile for an ultimate calming effect.

4. Passionflower – natural remedy for insomnia

Passion flower increases the production of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) , a neurotransmitter that calms the nervous system. This makes you feel less tense and helps you fall asleep more easily. Perfect if you worry a lot in the evening or suffer from stress.

5. Lemon balm – refreshing and relaxing

This mild, lemony tea helps reduce stress and anxiety. Lemon balm is known for its calming effect and can improve your sleep by calming your mind.

6. Linden – calms the nervous system

Lime blossom tea has a calming effect and helps to relax the nervous system. This makes it an excellent choice if you have trouble falling asleep due to stress or inner turmoil.

7. Mint – unexpectedly calming

Although mint is best known for its digestive benefits, it can also help with stress-related insomnia. Peppermint and spearmint in particular have a subtle relaxing effect that can help you sleep better.

How to get the most out of your herbal tea

Want to get the most out of the soothing effects of herbal tea? Try these tips:

• Drink your tea 30 to 60 minutes before bed. This gives your body time to relax.
• Add a little honey. This not only makes the tea more delicious, but honey also has a calming effect.
  
• Mix different herbs. For example, combine chamomile, lavender and valerian for a powerful sleep-promoting blend.
  
• Create a relaxation routine. Drink your tea while reading a book or doing a calming meditation for added effect.

Which herbal tea suits you?

Everyone responds differently to herbs, so it’s a matter of experimenting to see what works best for you. Maybe you swear by a classic cup of chamomile tea, or you want to experiment with a mix of passionflower and lemon balm. Either way, a warm cup of herbal tea can help you relax and improve your sleep.

Don't feel like using loose herbs? These are the top 4 sleep teas in a package from Holland & Barrett.

💬 Tell me, which tea are you going to try? Share your favorite in the comments!