Last Updated on October 9, 2022 by theworldofsleepstaff
Honey has been immortally associated with sleep. For example, honey was used as a natural sedative in ancient Greece. The Egyptians also believed in the power of honey to promote sleep, and they would often give it to children before bedtime.
Now, there is evidence to support the use of honey before bed. An anecdotal study found that honey (raw) can help you sleep better. In addition, the study found that honey can increase melatonin production, a hormone that helps regulate sleep.
So, in this article, we’ll explore the benefits of honey before bed. We’ll also offer tips on how to include honey in your nightly routine.
Disclaimer: You must always consult your doctor before including a new supplement or food into your daily routine as only your doctor can explain any pros or cons that are specific to you. Some supplements & foods may interfere with medications and/or cause allergic reactions.
Is Honey Before Bed Good For You?
Honey is a natural sweetener that has many health benefits. It is full of antioxidants, which can help to boost your immune system. Honey is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce swelling and redness.
Some people believe that honey before bed can help you sleep better too. This is because honey can help to regulate your blood sugar levels. When your blood sugar levels are balanced, you are less likely to experience restless nights. Honey can also help to promote relaxation and reduce stress levels.
If you try honey before bed, make sure to choose high-quality honey. Raw, organic honey is the best option. You should also avoid honey that has been processed or heated, as this can destroy some of the beneficial properties.
How Does Honey Exactly Help You Sleep Better?
First, honey is a natural source of glucose, which is necessary to produce serotonin – the ‘feel-good’ hormone. Second, serotonin helps regulate our sleep patterns, so we can encourage our bodies to produce more of it and enjoy a more restful night’s sleep by consuming honey before bedtime.
Honey is also thought to contain small amounts of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate our sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin levels naturally increase in our bodies as it gets dark outside, making us feel sleepy. So by consuming honey before bed, we can give our bodies a little extra boost of this sleep-inducing hormone.
Finally, honey is a natural antioxidant that can help reduce inflammation. This is important because inflammation has been linked with poor sleep quality. By reducing inflammation, honey can help to improve our sleep quality and make it easier for us to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.
What Are The Benefits Of Using Honey Before Bed?
For centuries, people have turned to honey as a natural remedy for various ailments. Honey has many health benefits and is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Here are some of the benefits of using honey before bed:
1. Helps To Soothe A Sore Throat
If you’re suffering from a sore throat, honey can help to soothe and relieve the pain. In addition, honey has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce swelling and redness. It also has antibacterial properties that can help to kill the bacteria that cause sore throats.
To use honey for a sore throat, mix one tablespoon of honey with warm water and gargle. You can add honey to tea or take it straight with the spoonful.
2. Helps You Sleep Better
As we said, honey can help to promote relaxation and reduce stress levels. It can also help to regulate your blood sugar levels. When your blood sugar levels are balanced, you are less likely to experience restless nights.
Add one tablespoon to a cup of warm milk or tea to use honey for better sleep. You can also eat a few pieces of honeycomb before bed.
3. Reduces Cough & Cold Symptoms
Nothing is more cumbersome trying to sleep with a cold or cough. Honey can help to ease these symptoms so you can get a good night’s sleep.
Honey has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help to reduce congestion and inflammation. It can also help to coat the throat and ease coughing.
To use honey for cold and cough relief, mix one tablespoon of honey with warm water and drink. You can add honey to tea or take it straight with a spoonful.
4. Boosts Your Immune System
A good night’s sleep is essential for a healthy immune system. Honey can help to boost your immune system by providing it with antioxidants. Antioxidants help to fight off infection and disease.
To use honey to boost your immune system, add one tablespoon of honey to a cup of warm water or tea. You can also eat a few pieces of honeycomb each day.
5. Reduces Inflammation
Sleep enhances recovery, and it affects our fight against inflammation. Since honey has anti-inflammatory properties, it can help to reduce swelling and redness.
To use honey to reduce inflammation, mix one tablespoon of honey with warm water and drink. You can add honey to tea or take it straight with the spoonful.
6. Feel Better Overall
Honey has many nutrients, like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, that can help improve your overall health. When you feel better overall, you sleep better.
Many people find that taking honey before bed helps them to wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. So if you’re looking for a natural way to feel better, adding honey to your nightly routine is a good place to start.
7. Lose The Pounds While You Sleep
If you’re looking to shed a few pounds, honey before bed may be your new best friend. Research has shown that honey can help boost your metabolism and help your body burn fat more efficiently.
Cutting sugar can be challenging, but honey before bed can help make it a little easier. Not only will you satisfy your sweet tooth, but you’ll also be helping your body slim down. So, consider adding honey to your nightly routine to lose weight.
How Can I Use Honey Before Bed?
There are a few ways you can use honey before bed. Here are a few ideas:
First, add honey to your favourite tea.
This is a great way to get the benefits of honey and the relaxant properties of tea. Just add a tablespoon of honey to your cup of tea and enjoy.
Drinking tea before bed can help you relax and wind down for the evening. It’s also a great way to hydrate before bed, essential for quality sleep.
Spread honey on toast or crackers.
This is a simple way to enjoy honey before bed. Just spread a thin layer of honey on your favourite toast or cracker. The combination of the sweet honey and the crunchy toast or cracker will help you relax and prepare for sleep.
Honey and toast is a classic combination for a reason. The honey’s sweetness and the toast’s comfort make it a perfect bedtime snack.
Mix honey with warm milk.
This is a classic bedtime drink for a reason. The combination of honey and warm milk is incredibly soothing and relaxing. Add a tablespoon of honey to a cup of warm milk and enjoy.
Warm milk is rich in tryptophan, an amino acid that helps promote sleep. When combined with honey, you have a recipe for a perfect night’s sleep.
Mix honey with lemon.
This is a great way to enjoy the benefits of honey and lemon. Just mix equal parts honey and lemon juice. You can drink this mixture before bed or add it to your tea.
Lemon is rich in Vitamin C, which is a natural antioxidant. Honey is also a great source of antioxidants. When combined, these two ingredients make a powerful sleep-promoting duo.
Add honey to oatmeal.
Adding honey to oatmeal is a great way to start your day or enjoy a bedtime snack. Just add a tablespoon of honey to your bowl of oatmeal.
Oatmeal is an excellent source of fibre, which can help you feel full and satisfied. Honey is an excellent source of energy, which can help you power through your day or night.
Eat honeycomb.
Honeycomb is the wax bees use to seal off honey in the hive. It’s edible, and it’s a great way to enjoy the benefits of honey. Just eat a few pieces of honeycomb before bed.
Honeycomb is an excellent source of antioxidants, and it’s also a good source of energy. The combination of these two things makes it a great bedtime snack.
How To Choose The Best Honey
Now that you know some of the benefits of taking honey before bed, you may wonder how to choose the best honey. Unfortunately, with so many different types of honey on the market, it can be tricky to know which one is right for you.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing honey:
– Raw honey is the best type of honey to take before bed. It hasn’t been processed or heated, so it retains all of its nutrients.
– Look for honey that is organic and has no added sugar.
– Manuka honey is raw honey that is especially beneficial for sleep. It comes from New Zealand and has unique antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
– If you have a cold or cough, choose honey high in fructose. Fructose helps to coat the throat and ease coughing.
– If you’re looking for honey to boost your immune system, look for one that is high in antioxidants.
– When it comes to weight loss, choose a honey that is low in calories.
When choosing honey, look for raw, organic honey with no added sugar. Manuka honey is an excellent option for sleep, cold and cough relief, and boosting immunity. For weight loss, choose a honey that is low in calories.
FAQs
How much honey should you have before bed?
There is no definitive answer, but most experts recommend 1-2 tablespoons.
Can honey before bed help you lose weight?
Honey can help to regulate your blood sugar levels, which can, in turn, help to control your appetite. However, honey should not be used as a weight loss tool, as it is still a source of calories.
Can honey before bed help you sleep better?
Honey can help regulate blood sugar levels, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. This can, in turn, help you sleep better.
Is it okay to have honey every night before bed?
Most experts recommend limiting honey consumption to 1-2 tablespoons per day. However, you can have honey every night if you wish, as long as you do not exceed the recommended amount.
What is the best time to eat honey?
There is no definitive answer, but some experts recommend taking honey before bed. This allows the body to absorb the sugar overnight, which can help regulate your blood sugar levels and promote relaxation.
Honey Before Bed: Our Final Thoughts
Honey before bed is a great way to get some extra nutrients and sweetness into your diet and help you sleep better. So if you’re looking for an easy and delicious way to improve your sleep, honey before bed is the way to go!
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.