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Improving Your Sleep

Chamomile Tea: Can It Really Help You Sleep? 

Struggling with getting rest? Learn how chamomile tea can help you sleep at night due to its fantastic health benefits and sedative effects! 

WEB-1047 – Chamomile Tea Can It Really Help You Sleep

Are you struggling to find a natural remedy to achieve a good night's sleep? Could chamomile tea be the secret to embracing a peaceful slumber? Many of us toss and turn at night, searching for that elusive rest, but what if the solution is as simple as brewing a soothing cup of chamomile tea? 
 
In this article, we will explore the origins and history of chamomile, delve into scientific research that supports its sleep-inducing properties, uncover the multitude of benefits it offers, and provide practical tips on how to incorporate this humble tea into your nightly routine. Let’s first explore what chamomile tea is and the science behind it.  

What is Chamomile Tea and How Does It Impact Us? 

Chamomile tea has been used around the world for years to help us relax, but what exactly is it, and where does it come from? Chamomile tea was used extensively in the ancient world, especially in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. The word “chamomile” itself comes from the Greek words Chemos and Melos, which mean “ground apple,” referencing the unique apple-like smell that chamomile has (Source: PubMed).  
 
For many centuries, chamomile has been known as an herbal medicine, and it’s found practically everywhere. Many in Europe still consider it a “cure-all” because of its anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. People have used this herbal remedy for hay fever, inflammation, menstrual disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, wounds, and even sleep disorders like insomnia.  
 
Those who have used chamomile over the years for sleep have done so to provide a calming effect that makes it even easier for them to fall asleep. However, when we look at the science behind its calming properties, we see that chamomile can really help with sleep, among many other conditions. 

The Science Behind Chamomile and Sleep 

We know the power of chamomile and how many people have used it over the years, but when it comes to this herbal remedy and sleep, there is a lot that experts have discovered in recent years. Many studies have confirmed that chamomile itself is a mild tranquilizer and sleep-inducer. It’s not as easy as having a sip and falling asleep for the magical eight hours of sleep we all dream of getting. However, chamomile impacts our brain in a unique way that other substances simply can’t replicate. 
 
When ingested, whether as a pill or in tea form, the flavonoid apigenin found in chamomile bonds to the benzodiazepine receptors within the brain. These are responsible for creating a sedative effect—or, in other words, it helps us get more relaxed and even sleepier. That’s why so many people like chamomile: because it can help them relax in a way that other substances can’t, and it’s all-natural.  
 
As the chamomile creates this sedative effect, it can also drastically improve our sleep. Experts have shown that using chamomile with those who have insomnia, specifically those in their older years is effective at helping improve sleep quality, which in turn limits the insomnia symptoms they experience. So, chamomile can help us with sleep and provide us with many related benefits, too! 

The Benefits of Using Chamomile Tea for Sleep 

Now that you know the properties and how chamomile works with our brains, you can see how beneficial it is for our sleep. Here’s a look at some of the expected benefits you’ll enjoy if you start to take chamomile to improve your sleep in the future: 

  • Sedative Effects Benefit Mental Health and Sleep: For those who struggle with anxiety, you’ll be pleased to know that chamomile has been used for many years and is helpful in reducing anxiety levels. As a result, it helps you relax and unwind so you sleep well, especially if you struggle with insomnia (Source: PubMed).  

  • Anti-Inflammatory Properties That Benefit Rest: Conditions like inflammation can make sleep even harder and more disrupted, but by using chamomile, you can reduce the chances of this leading to sleepless nights. Chamomile’s ability to limit inflammation and chronic pain due to its sedative properties can help with rest.  

  • Overall Wellness Support for Better Sleep: Chamomile’s multitude of benefits all lead to one major plus: enhancements to your overall health, including your digestive, immune, and mental health. All of this, when combined with a healthy lifestyle, can lead to better, more restful, and painless sleep.

How to Use Chamomile Tea for Better Sleep 

If you are ready to harness the power of chamomile tea to improve your nightly rest, there are a few things you should know. It’s recommended to have this tea about 30 to 45 minutes before you head to bed so you can maximize its sleep-inducing effects. Waiting this long helps your body process the tea while also giving your brain time to let it all work. 
 
To brew the tea, bring water to a boil and then pour the boiling water into a cup with your chamomile tea, either in a reusable tea infuser or in a tea bag. Then, wait the designated time on the package until it has steeped. In most cases, it’s five to ten minutes at the most. After that, you can add sugar, honey, lemon, or milk to make it taste how you’d like. Some people even like to combine chamomile with honey, lemon, or lavender in a tea bag for added flavor.  
 
Then, drink your tea, read a book, meditate, and begin to wind down. It will only take a brief amount of time before you begin to feel its effects, and you’re all ready to cozy up and get some sleep!  
 
Please note that if you do take a blood thinner or other medications, chamomile tea might interact, so it’s best to consult a doctor before starting a tea regimen to ensure this is the best choice for your health. If you are allergic to ragweed or daisies, you should also consult your doctor to see if this tea is right for you.  

How Will You Integrate Chamomile Tea into Your Routine? 

With so many amazing benefits for our sleep, chamomile tea is a great idea for those struggling with sleepless nights. We hope that you learned something new in this article. How will you integrate this fantastic drink into your bedtime routine?  

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Written by

Marie Soukup

Marie Soukup is a seasoned copywriter, editor, and Integrative Nutrition Health Coach with a certificate from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition (IIN). With years of experience working with brands across diverse industries, Marie is passionate about holistic health and crafting compelling content.

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