It is ironic that Caffeine Awareness Month is the same as Sleep Awareness Month. Before we plan to hit the pillow, eliminating caffeine within six hours of bedtime is a good idea. Thankfully caffeine-free teas come in several satisfying varieties.  Use these teas to add an herbal benefit toward healthier sleep.

Tea and Caffeine

Generally, tea has less caffeine than coffee does. But the amount of caffeine varies depending on the way the tea is processed. There are 2 main varieties of tea, Camellia sinensis and Herbal.

  • Camellia sinensis tea, depending on the processing of the leaf, is used to make black, green, and white teas. Camellia sinensis teas vary in caffeine content and can be processed to produce a decaffeinated version.
  • Herbal tea is a combination of any plant life other than the camellia sinensis. Herbal teas do not contain caffeine and use the flowers, root, berries/fruit, or bark of the plant. For example, valerian uses the root of the plant; passionflower uses the flower; and cinnamon the bark. Herbal teas contain substances that encourage sleep and relaxation.

Tea to Sleep

If you want a tea to aid with sleep, look for a tea with one or more of the following herbs: lavender, chamomile, lemon balm, magnolia bark, passionflower, or valerian root. Try not to add sugar. Teas should be used as part of your total mind/body bedtime routine.

The following delicious teas help with sleep. Most should be easy to find in your local grocery store. Otherwise, you will see links to the Amazon source.

Traditional Medicinals, Organic Nighty Night has passionflower and chamomile

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Celestial Seasonings, Sleepy Time Extra with chamomile and valerian root

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Numi, Organic Tea Sweet Slumber with chamomile, valerian, passionflower, lavender and lemon balm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hey Girl, Tangerine Dream with Passionflower, Chamomile and Valerian Root extract

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is not a paid endorsement. The links are not affiliate links. Be Well Solutions does not make money from the products mentioned in this article. All of the above are recommendations from our staff.

Continue reading March 2022 Newsletter: Sleep Awareness Month 

Written by BWS Director of Nutrition Services- Crystal Petrello MS, RDN, LD