We all know that it's super important to have good quality sleep, yet in these challenging and uncertain times it can be a struggle to fall asleep, let alone stay asleep.
Sleep is critical for our health – not enough can lead to health conditions, inflammation, weight gain, diabetes, depression, hypertension. Good quality sleep helps our bodies to recover, promotes skin health, brain health and encourages healthy cell division. Sleep deprivation is similar to alcohol intoxication according to sleep advisers. (1)
Herbal teas have been used as natural sleep aids for centuries and could be the key to getting some well needed shut eye. Develop a night-time routine to help you wind down and try some of these sleepy infusions before bed to get you in the mood for top quality zzzzs!
1) Lavender
This well-known flower is thought to help with relaxation, calm nerves, better sleep, and improve skin health. The aroma is soothing and a lavender tea can be a great way to calm the body and mind. The ancient Greeks and Romans were obsessed with lavender, discovering its healing and antiseptic qualities.
"One study in 80 new mothers in Taiwan found that those who drank 1 cup of lavender tea per day for 2 weeks while taking time to appreciate the tea’s aroma reported less fatigue and depression, compared with those who didn’t smell and drink the tea." (2)
Our Tickety Brew has the benefit of not only containing lavender but also being the color blue, which is "associated with feelings of calm which, when picked up by your ganglion cells (which process visual information) and relayed to your brain, helps reduce blood pressure and heart rate, all of which help you receive a solid night’s sleep." (3)
2) L-Theanine
The sleep doctor, Michael J Breus encourages his "patients to drink tea. Whatever time of day or night, drinking a cup of tea can be a soothing, relaxing ritual". (4)
Black and green tea contain an amino acid called L-theanine, primarily found in these teas. This amino can help to increased alpha brain waves, which promote “deep relaxation and clear the mind of unwanted thoughts or distractions. This helps decrease sleep latency, the amount of time it takes you to go from being fully awake to sleeping.” (5)
It works to relax rather than sedate. L-theanine elevates levels of GABA, as well as serotonin and dopamine.
3) GABA
GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) is a crutial neurotransmitter that sends messages to and from the brain and the nervous system, with the ultimate goal of managing fear and anxiety. GABA receptors live on nerve cells, receiving messages from GABA neurotransmitters. which help control nerve impulses. (6)
GABA facilitates sleep, reduces mental and physical stress, lowers anxiety, and creates a calmness of mood. It's like putting brakes on the brain. There is also evidence suggesting that GABA helps regulate your circadian rhythm and maintain a balanced sleep-wake cycle. (7)
Found naturally in varieties of green, black and oolong teas. GABA can be increased in tea due to the process. The leaves are partially shaded two weeks prior to plucking. During the oxidation-phase of production, all oxygen is replaced with nitrogen gas. This causes the glutamic acid to be converted into GABA.
GABA is also naturally found in New Zealand-grown Manuka, renowned for its unique properties and purity.
Our Summer Meadow blend, with a combination of Dandelion, Nettle, Lemon Myrtle, and GABA-rich Manuka, is specially crafted to support liver health while also promoting restful sleep. The blend is designed to gently soothe your body, preparing it for a restorative night's rest. Perfect for those seeking a natural way to enhance their sleep and overall well-being.
To meet Japanese standards and be labeled GABA tea, the finished product must contain at least 150mg of GABA per 100g dry weight.
4) Lemongrass and Lemon Verbena
This lemony powerhouse duo has calming effects as an aid to help with sleep. Both have been used as tradition remedies around the world due to the calming effects as an aid to sleep disorders such as insomnia.
By reducing stress and anxiety before sleep there is a better chance of restorative quality sleep.
Lemon verbena is also rich in melatonin, a hormone in our bodies that increases as night approaches, stimulated by darkness and causes you to become sleepy.
Not only are you getting a dose of melatonin naturally with our caffeine free organic Cool Brew, the lemon verbena and lemongrass helps to soothe your stress away, and the kawakawa and ginger aid in digestion. Perfect before bed.
Tea and Book Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash.
Flower and tea Photo by Carli Jeen on Unsplash.
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