Last Updated on October 9, 2022 by theworldofsleepstaff
We all know how important it is to get a good night’s sleep. But sometimes, no matter how hard we try, we can’t seem to drift off into dreamland. So if you’re struggling to catch some ZZZs, maybe it’s time to switch up your nighttime routine.
One thing you can try is drinking matcha before bed.
You might wonder, what does matcha have to do with sleep? Well, matcha is a green tea containing L-Theanine, an amino acid that can promote relaxation and reduce stress.
Let us explore the pros and cons of having matcha before bedtime.
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.
CONTENTS:
- What Exactly Is Matcha
- Can Matcha Help You To Get A Good Night’s Rest?
- Six Pros of Matcha Before Bed
- Seven Cons of Matcha Before Bed
- How Does Matcha Work?
- Who Should Not Drink Matcha?
- Tips For Choosing The Right Matcha Brand
- FAQs
But First: What Exactly Is Matcha?
Matcha is a type of green tea that’s been traditionally used in Japanese ceremonies for centuries. But in recent years, it’s become famous worldwide for its unique flavour and health benefits.
Matcha is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Once the leaves are picked, they’re quickly steamed and dried to preserve their nutrients. Then, they’re stone-ground into a fine powder.
This powder is what you’ll find in matcha tea bags or canisters. When ready to drink it, add hot water and whisk until the powder is fully dissolved.
How Is Matcha Different From Regular Green Tea?
The most significant difference between matcha and regular green tea is that you consume the entire tea leaf with matcha. This means that you’ll get a much higher concentration of nutrients than you would from steeping a tea bag in hot water.
Matcha is also grown differently than other types of green tea. First, the leaves are shade-grown for the last few weeks before harvest. This process increases the chlorophyll content, giving matcha its vibrant green colour.
Can Matcha Help You To Get A Good Night’s Rest?
There is some evidence to suggest that matcha can indeed promote better sleep. A study done for a total of eight weeks found that matcha contains L-theanine, an amino acid that has been shown to promote relaxation and sleep.
With anything, it is all about moderation. Too much of anything is never good for you. The same goes for matcha. Drinking too much of it may make sleeping harder since it can contain caffeine. Therefore, it is recommended that you drink no more than two cups per day.
Six Pros of Matcha Before Bed
1. Theanine May Help You Relax
One of the main compounds in matcha is an amino acid called theanine. This substance is known for its ability to promote relaxation without causing drowsiness. So if you’re struggling to wind down at night, drinking some matcha could help you out.
You will be glad to know that theanine also helps to improve focus and concentration. This means you can drink matcha before bed without worrying about staying up all night.
2. Matcha Boosts Antioxidants
Matcha is loaded with antioxidants, which are compounds that help to protect your cells from damage. These antioxidants can have various benefits for your health, including reducing inflammation and boosting your immune system.
A lot of people tend to think of green tea as a healthy beverage. But matcha contains even more antioxidants than regular green tea. So if you’re looking for a way to boost your antioxidant intake, drinking matcha before bed is a great option.
You can also get antioxidants from other sources, such as fruits and vegetables. But matcha provides a more concentrated dose of these compounds than most other foods.
3. Matcha May Help You Sleep Better
Matcha contains a small amount of caffeine, which is a stimulant. But theanine can offset the effects of caffeine, so you’re unlikely to feel jittery after drinking matcha.
Caffeine can stay in your system for up to six hours. So if you drink matcha in the evening, the caffeine may still be present when you go to bed. This could theoretically interfere with your sleep.
Just be sure to choose decaffeinated matcha if you’re worried about the caffeine keeping you up at night.
3. Matcha Contains Nutrients
Matcha is a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including potassium, vitamin C, and selenium. These nutrients are essential for overall health and can have various benefits, such as reducing inflammation and boosting your immune system.
While you can get these nutrients from other sources, such as fruits and vegetables, matcha provides a more concentrated dose.
If you are running out of ideas of what to include in your diet, drinking matcha before bed could help you meet your nutrient needs.
4. Matcha May Help You Lose Weight
Matcha could be a helpful addition to your diet if you’re trying to lose weight. This is because matcha contains a substance called EGCG, which has been shown to boost metabolism and promote weight loss.
Experts believe that EGCG works by increasing thermogenesis, which is the process of burning calories to generate heat. So if you drink matcha before bed, you may burn more calories while you sleep.
Of course, weight loss is ultimately about creating a calorie deficit. This means that you need to burn more calories than you consume each day. So while matcha may help you lose weight, eating healthily and exercising regularly are still important.
5. Matcha Might Improve Your Brain Health
Matcha contains a substance called L-theanine, known for its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. Once it enters the brain, L-theanine can help to improve cognitive function.
Some studies have shown that L-theanine can help to improve memory and attention span. It may also help to reduce anxiety and improve your mood.
While it may sound too good to be true, talk with a health professional to get the most out of matcha.
6. Matcha Is Easy to Make
Unlike some other teas, matcha is very easy to prepare. All you need is a cup of hot water and a teaspoon of matcha powder. Then, you can add milk, honey, or lemon to your tea.
Matcha is also a versatile ingredient that can be used in various recipes. For example, you can add matcha to smoothies, baking recipes, and even ice cream. You can even find matcha-flavoured candy and chocolate.
Whether you drink it plain or add it to recipes, matcha is a delicious and easy way to add some extra antioxidants and nutrients to your diet.
Seven Cons of Drinking Matcha Before Bed
Like anything, there are also some disadvantages to drinking matcha before bed. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Matcha Contains Caffeine
While matcha does contain less caffeine than a cup of coffee, it still has around 35mg of caffeine per cup. Therefore, if you drink matcha before bed, you may have difficulty falling asleep more.
Although it is said that the caffeine in matcha is released slower than in other caffeinated beverages, it is still best to avoid drinking it close to bedtime.
2. Matcha May Keep You Awake
Another potential downside of drinking matcha before bed is that it may keep you awake. This is because matcha contains L-Theanine, an amino acid shown to improve alertness and focus.
So, if you are sensitive to caffeine or L-Theanine, it is best to avoid drinking matcha before bed.
3. Matcha May Cause Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms.
Matcha contains caffeine and L-Theanine, which can increase stomach acid production. This may make acid reflux worse for some people.
If you have acid reflux, it is best to avoid drinking matcha before bed.
4. Matcha Can Be Acidic
Matcha is made from green tea leaves, which are naturally acidic. This means that matcha can be acidic and may cause heartburn or upset stomach in some people.
Generally, it is best to avoid drinking matcha if you have a sensitive stomach. However, if you choose to drink it, it is best to consume it with food to help neutralize the acidity.
5. Matcha May Contain Lead
Matcha is made from green tea leaves, which may contain lead. Lead is a toxic metal that can cause health problems, especially in children and pregnant women.
While the amount of lead in matcha is generally low, it is still best to avoid drinking it if you are pregnant or have young children.
But what you can do is choose a matcha brand that is certified organic and has third-party lab results that show it is low in the lead.
6. Matcha May Cause Gastrointestinal Issues
Matcha contains caffeine and L-Theanine, which can cause gastrointestinal issues like diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting in some people.
If you are sensitive to caffeine or L-Theanine, it is best to avoid drinking matcha. And if you do choose to drink it, it is best to start with a small amount and see how your body reacts.
7. Matcha May Interact With Medications
Matcha may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners and stimulants. If you are taking any medication, it is best to talk to your doctor before drinking matcha.
While matcha does have some potential disadvantages, it is still a healthy drink overall. Just be sure to drink it in moderation and to choose a quality brand.
And if you have any concerns, it is always best to talk to your doctor before drinking matcha or other tea.
How Does Matcha Work?
Matcha is a powder made from green tea leaves. It is traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies and has become popular in recent years as a health food.
The leaves are ground into a fine powder using a stone mill. The powder is then whisked with hot water to create a frothy drink.
Matcha contains more caffeine than regular green tea and a higher concentration of antioxidants. As a result, some studies have shown that matcha can help boost metabolism and enhance fat burning.
Matcha is also a good source of chlorophyll, which is thought to have detoxifying properties.
Who Should Not Drink Matcha?
Pregnant women and young children should avoid drinking matcha due to the risk of lead contamination.
People with gastrointestinal issues or those sensitive to caffeine or L-Theanine should also avoid drinking matcha. And if you are taking any medication, it is best to talk to your doctor before drinking matcha.
Tips For Choosing The Right Matcha Brand
When it comes to matcha, not all brands are created equal. Here are a few tips to help you choose a quality matcha brand:
1. Choose a brand that is certified organic.
2. Choose a brand that has third-party lab results showing it is low in lead and other contaminants.
3. Choose a brand that uses young, tender tea leaves for its matcha.
4. Avoid brands that use stems and twigs in their matcha, as this can make it more bitter.
5. Avoid brands that use food colouring or other additives in their matcha.
When it comes to matcha, quality is critical. So be sure to choose a brand that meets the above criteria to ensure you get a healthy, safe, and delicious matcha powder.
FAQs
How late can you drink matcha?
Matcha is best enjoyed fresh, so it’s generally recommended to drink it within a few hours of making it. If you’re looking for a more energizing beverage, try drinking matcha earlier in the day. If you’re looking for a more relaxing drink, try matcha later in the day or the evening.
How long will matcha keep you awake?
Matcha contains caffeine, so it can keep you awake for several hours if you’re sensitive to caffeine or drink alot of matcha. If you’re looking for a more energizing beverage, try drinking matcha earlier in the day. If you’re looking for a more relaxing drink, try matcha later in the day or the evening.
How much matcha should you drink?
The amount of matcha you should drink depends on your tolerance. If you are new to matcha, it is best to start with a small amount and see how your body reacts.
Matcha can be enjoyed in many ways, such as through traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, iced lattes, smoothies, and even baking recipes.
Just be sure to drink it in moderation and to choose a quality brand. And if you have any concerns, it is always best to talk to your doctor before drinking matcha or other tea.
Final Thoughts On Matcha Before Bed
Matcha is a green tea rich in antioxidants and linked to various health benefits.
While matcha does have some potential disadvantages, it is still a healthy drink overall. Just be sure to drink it in moderation and to choose a quality brand.
And if you have any concerns, it is always best to talk to your doctor before drinking matcha or other tea.