Last Updated on October 20, 2022 by theworldofsleepstaff
There are tons of tea out there, and it’s hard to know which one is best for you. But, if you’re looking for a tea that will help you relax before bed, black tea is a great option.
Black tea contains small amounts of caffeine, which can help to improve alertness and focus. However, it also has L-theanine, an amino acid that can promote relaxation.
This article will take a closer look at black tea and its benefits for sleep. We’ll also provide tips on making the perfect cup of black tea before bed.
So, if you’re ready to learn more about black tea and its benefits for sleep and your overall health, let’s get started!
Note: This article is informational and does not constitute medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your doctor or qualified healthcare professional before beginning any new treatment program.
Does Black Tea Affect Sleep & Keep You Awake?
It is said that drinking more than four cups of tea a day can potentially risk one developing insomnia, but if it is only a cup or so, it is believed that it has little to no effect.
However as mentioned previously, black tea contains caffeine, which is a stimulant. This means it can keep you awake if you drink it too close to bedtime.
The amount of caffeine in black tea varies depending on how it is brewed. For example, if you steep your tea for a shorter time, it will contain less caffeine.
In general, black tea contains about 50 milligrams of caffeine per cup. This is less than the amount of caffeine in a cup of coffee, which has about 95 milligrams.
That means black tea is ideal if you’re looking for an evening beverage that will help keep you awake but won’t be too harsh on your system. It can stimulate the brain to stay alert, but in smaller quantities than coffee.
But if you are worried about keeping yourself awake, don’t drink it too late at night.
It depends on the person – some people are more sensitive to caffeine than others. If you have trouble sleeping, it is probably best to avoid caffeine, which includes black tea before bed.
Recommended: 11 Reasons Why Should Start Drinking Ginger Tea Before Bed Today
The Potential Benefits Of Black Tea Before Bed
Now that we know what black tea is and can do, let’s take a look at some of the benefits of drinking black tea at night.
1. Black Tea Contains Caffeine
As we mentioned earlier, black tea contains small amounts of caffeine. This can be beneficial if you’re looking for a tea to help you stay awake and focused.
Caffeine is a stimulant that can improve alertness and mental focus. However, it can also cause jitters and anxiety in some people.
If you’re sensitive to caffeine, avoiding drinking black tea late in the day is essential. Caffeine can stay in your system for up to 6 hours, so drinking black tea before bed may interfere with sleep.
2. Black Tea Contains L-Theanine
In addition to caffeine, black tea also contains L-theanine. This is an amino acid that can promote relaxation without causing drowsiness.
L-theanine increases levels of GABA, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation. It also increases alpha brain waves associated with relaxation and focus.
For these reasons, L-theanine can be beneficial if you’re looking for tea to help you relax before bed, which subsequently may make you fall asleep faster – as long as you’re not someone who is sensitive to caffeine.
3. Black Tea Has Antioxidant Properties
Black tea is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect your body against damage from free radicals. Therefore, drinking it before bed may help detox your body while you sleep.
Free radicals are molecules that can damage cells and cause inflammation. This may eventually lead to health problems such as heart disease or cancer.
Antioxidants are believed to help neutralize harmful free radicals and protect cells from damage. Because black tea is a good source of antioxidants, it may provide some protection against disease.
4. Black Tea May Improve Heart Health
Drinking black tea has been associated with a lower risk of heart disease.
The flavonoids in black tea can help to reduce cholesterol levels and improve blood vessel function. These effects may help to protect against heart disease.
And when you have a healthy heart, you sleep better!
Side Effects Of Drinking Black Tea At Night
Drinking black tea before bed is generally safe for most people. However, there are a few potential side effects to be aware of.
1. Caffeine
As mentioned earlier, black tea contains small amounts of caffeine. This can cause jitters, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping in some people.
If you’re sensitive to caffeine, avoiding drinking black tea late in the day is essential. Caffeine can stay in your system for up to 6 hours, so drinking black tea before bed may interfere with sleep.
2. Acid Reflux
Black tea is a source of caffeine and tannins. Both substances can increase acid production in the stomach, leading to acid reflux.
If you suffer from acid reflux, it’s essential to avoid drinking black tea before bed.
3. Iron Deficiency
Black tea can also interfere with the absorption of iron from food. This can lead to iron deficiency, a severe condition that can cause fatigue and weakness.
If you’re concerned about iron deficiency, you must speak to your doctor before drinking black tea. They may recommend taking an iron supplement or avoiding black tea altogether.
4. Issues For Pregnancy
Black tea contains small amounts of caffeine. While this is generally safe for most people, pregnant women are advised to limit their caffeine intake to 200 mg daily.
Drinking more than 2 cups of black tea daily may increase the risk of miscarriage and other complications. If you’re pregnant, you must speak to your doctor before drinking black tea.
How to Make Black Tea Before Bed
Now that we know the benefits of black tea before bed let’s look at how to make the perfect cup.
Here are some tips to get you started:
1. Choose high-quality tea leaves. This will ensure that your tea is flavorful and potent.
2. Steep the tea for 3-5 minutes. This will allow the tea leaves to release their flavour and nutrients into the water.
3. Add milk and sugar to taste. Milk can help to round out the flavour of black tea, and sugar can make it sweeter.
4. Drink the tea slowly and savor the flavour as it will help you to relax and enjoy the experience.
5. Try to drink tea an hour before bed. Doing so will give the caffeine time to wear off so that it doesn’t interfere with your sleep.
Things That Go Well With Black Tea
If you’re looking for ways to make your black tea even more enjoyable, here are some ideas:
1. Add a slice of lemon
This will give the tea a tart and refreshing flavour.
Usually, people put lemon in iced tea, but it can be just as good in hot black tea.
2. Add a sweetener
This will help to offset the bitter taste of black tea. In addition, honey is a great natural sweetener that goes well with black tea.
3. Drink it with food
Black tea pairs well with food, so try drinking it with a meal or snack.
Some good foods to pair with black tea include scones, biscuits, and cake.
4. Make iced black tea
If you’re looking for a refreshing drink, try making iced black tea. First, brew a pot of black tea and pour it over ice.
Add lemon, honey, or other flavourings to iced black tea.
Which Tea Is The Best Before Bed?
Some tea experts believe certain teas are better to drink before bed than others.
These teas are thought to have properties that can promote relaxation and help you sleep better.
Some of the best teas to drink before bed include:
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile is a herb that not only promotes sleep, but has been used for centuries to do so.
This tea is often effective in promoting sleep because it contains apigenin, a flavonoid that binds to receptors in the brain associated with slumber. Check out our previous article on Chamomile tea’s incredible sleep properties here!
Lavender Tea
Lavender, a flowering plant, boasts an array of benefits and is thought to promote sleep because it contains a sedative compound called linalool.
Passionflower Tea
For centuries, people have used passionflower vine to alleviate anxiety and insomnia.
People drink passionflower tea because it has chemicals that link to GABA receptors in the brain. This, in turn, relaxes people.
5. Try different flavours
If you’re tired of plain black tea, try adding different flavours to it. Some good options include citrus fruits, spices, and herbs.
You can also find flavoured black teas at many stores. These are usually made with natural flavours, so they’re a good option if you want something healthy.
When Should You Stop Drinking Tea At Night?
When it comes to your tea intake, timing is everything. Although drinking tea before bed is a common practice and can be relaxing and soothing, there may be certain circumstances when you should avoid drinking tea too close to bedtime.
In general, drinking caffeinated tea before bed may interfere with your ability to fall asleep or get quality sleep. So if you’re having trouble sleeping, try avoiding caffeinated beverages in the hours leading up to bedtime.
Additionally, if you tend to experience stomach aches or another digestive discomfort after drinking tea, it’s best to stop sipping well before going to sleep.
Ultimately, it’s essential to listen to your body and pay attention to the types and timing of tea that work best for you. And if you’re ever in doubt about whether or not you should drink tea before bedtime, talk with your doctor for some additional guidance and advice.
FAQs About Black Tea
Is black tea better in the morning or at night?
Black tea is an excellent option both morning and night. In the morning, it can help you to wake up and start your day. It can help you relax and wind down before bed at night.
But if you’re looking for a specific time to drink black tea, the best time is probably in the afternoon. This is because black tea has caffeine, which can interfere with sleep if you drink it too close to bedtime.
Can I drink black tea every day?
Yes, you can drink black tea every day. Black tea has many health benefits, so it’s a good idea to include it in your daily diet.
Just be sure to limit your caffeine intake to 200 mg per day. This is the safe limit for pregnant women and people with certain medical conditions.
Is black tea healthy?
Yes, black tea is healthy. It’s a good source of antioxidants and has been linked to lower heart disease and cancer risks. Black tea also contains small amounts of caffeine, improving mental alertness.
How long does the caffeine in black tea last?
The caffeine in black tea typically lasts for 3-5 hours. This means drinking black tea in the evening may interfere with sleep at night.
To avoid this, try to drink black tea at least 5 hours before bedtime.
Our Final Thoughts
So, if you’re looking for a natural way to help you relax and fall asleep faster, consider drinking black tea before bed.
Not only is it delicious and refreshing, but it may also help improve your sleep quality. So, what are you waiting for? Start brewing!