It can be extremely frustrating—not to mention bad for your health—to constantly struggle to fall asleep at night. A good night’s sleep is a crucial part of keeping your brain sharp, your heart healthy, and even your waistline slim. However, figuring out how to find the rest you deserve can be a tricky process. From supplements to relaxing exercises, there are a range of things that can help. And as it turns out, falling asleep and staying asleep could be as simple as sipping on one hot beverage before bed: chamomile tea.
To learn more about how chamomile tea can help you sleep better, we spoke to dietitian Krutika Nanavati. She broke down the relaxing benefits of this warm beverage. Find all of her expert insight below.
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Chamomile tea
You may have already heard a thing or two about the famously relaxing chamomile tea. Although chamomile supplements may not be effective, sipping on this hot beverage offers up a sense of calm that can make it easier to sleep at night.
"Chamomile tea is a popular beverage promoting restful sleep due to its calming effects," Nanavati confirms. She says this is largely thanks to the fact that this herbal drink contains a special antioxidant called apigenin that brings relaxation to your body and brain. According to Nanavati, apigenin "interacts with the brain's benzodiazepine receptors, inducing a sense of relaxation and reducing insomnia." Incredible!
In order to reap these benefits and sleep well, she recommends brewing yourself a cup or two before bed. "Consuming chamomile tea about an hour before bedtime can help you fall asleep faster and improve your sleep quality, making you wake up refreshed and revitalized," she tells us.
In addition to sipping on chamomile tea, you may also introduce a range of healthy bedtime habits into your routine, including meditating, limiting blue light, and more.
Overall, several factors play into your ability to sleep—including your diet. If you find it difficult to sleep on a regular basis and it starts to impact your daily life, the best thing to do is speak to a professional in order to get to the root of the issue. While chamomile tea may not fix all of your sleep issues, and certainly shouldn't be seen as a fix-all for insomnia, it could definitely help you relax before bed.
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