The 9 Best Teas for Sleep in 2025
While planning tea party ideas might energize you, finding the best tea for sleep can do just the opposite, especially if you struggle to fall asleep. Unfortunately, insomnia is a common concern and can get in the way of enjoying restful, uninterrupted sleep, which is essential for your body to repair itself.Â
This is where the right deep sleep tea comes in. It can help soothe your mind and body so that it’s easier to relax and fall asleep. To help you find the best tea for sleep, we’ve rounded up the top options, from the best tea for sleep and digestion to blends that target both relaxation and anxiety. With these options, you might find yourself sleeping better and waking up more refreshed.
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- Best Hot Teas for Sleep
- Best Teas for Sleep and Digestion
- Best Teas for Sleep and Anxiety
- Best Chamomile Tea for Sleep
- Best Tea for Sleep FAQs
Best Hot Teas for Sleep
1. Lemon Balm Tea
This calming herb has been used for centuries to promote relaxation and research backs it up. One study for the National Library of Medicine found that people who took lemon balm extract saw a 42% reduction in insomnia symptoms after just 15 days and it’s even more potent when combined with valerian root.
Lemon balm tea has a fresh, slightly citrusy flavor and contains natural compounds that help relax your muscles, making it easier to loosen up before bed. It’s also easy to grow at home, but if you’re not into gardening, store-bought tea bags work just as well. To brew your own, steep ½ to 1 teaspoon of dried lemon balm leaves in hot water for about five minutes. You can add honey or a little sugar if you like a touch of sweetness.
2. Lemongrass Tea
Lemongrass is the best tea for sleep, especially if you're looking for something that works naturally with your body's chemistry. That’s because it contains compounds called terpenoids and limonene that help calm your body's stress response without making you feel like you've taken a sleeping pill.
Another study in the National Library of Medicine even found that lemongrass tea can actually help regulate your sleep cycles. It works by stimulating serotonin (the happy hormone) while keeping stress hormones like cortisol in check. The best part is that, unlike some sleep aids that leave you feeling groggy, lemongrass tea gives you a gentle wind-down.
3. David’s Tea’s Mother’s Little Helper
Looking for a powerful deep-sleep tea? This loose-leaf blend might be your answer. It has a short ingredients list which includes chamomile, peppermint and lemongrass. The star of the show is valerian root, a natural herb that, according to Mount Sinai, helps calm your nerves and makes you feel sleepy.
Flavor-wise, you can look forward to a bold minty taste with citrusy notes. While it’s not the most subtle tea, a bit of honey can help soften its strong taste. The scent is quite potent as well, so it’s best to store it separately from other teas.
Best Teas for Sleep and Digestion
4. Ginger Tea
While you might know ginger as your go-to for settling an upset stomach, this spicy root can also be helpful for your sleep routine. Ginger root has been used for centuries in alternative medicine to support digestion by helping the stomach empty more efficiently. So if a heavy dinner or bloating keeps you tossing and turning, a warm cup of lemon-ginger tea might be the perfect remedy.
It also has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, which can ease muscle soreness and general aches; making it the best tea for sleep and digestion. Making lemon-ginger tea at home is easy. Just pop some ground ginger (or fresh, if you have it on hand) into a mug, add hot water and let it work its magic for 2-4 minutes.
5. Peppermint Tea
What makes peppermint tea so special for sleep are the natural oils in its leaves. They contain compounds that relax smooth muscles throughout your body, helping to ease everything from upset stomachs to tension headaches. It's also a powerful antimicrobial agent, fighting off harmful bacteria that might be causing digestive discomfort.Â
Plus, its light green color and refreshing minty flavor make it a comforting, calming sip before bed. While it's perfect for nighttime relaxation, peppermint tea is versatile enough to serve at afternoon tea party food — try it iced with fresh mint leaves and honey for a refreshing warm-weather beverage that your guests will love.
6. Chamomile
If there's a superstar in the world of bedtime teas, it's chamomile. This light, floral tea is made from the small flowers of the chamomile plant and contains an antioxidant called apigenin, which helps calm the nervous system. Apigenin binds to certain receptors in the brain to reduce anxiety and promote sleep, making chamomile the best tea for sleep and anxiety. Chamomile isn’t just great for sleep, though; it’s also a powerful digestive relaxant.Â
Its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties can help soothe bloating, gas, indigestion, nausea and stomach cramps. Plus, tea in general is rich in polyphenols, which support gut health by promoting the growth of good bacteria. The best chamomile tea for sleep and digestion is the Organic Sleep Blend Herbal Tea, which can be found on Amazon. While chamomile is the main ingredient, it also contains other digestion-supporting ingredients like peppermint, fennel and tulsi leaves.
Best Teas for Sleep and Anxiety
7. Ashwagandha Tea
Ever wonder how people managed stress and sleep before modern medicine? Enter ashwagandha, the ancient Indian herb that has been calming nerves and promoting rest in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years, and now science is starting to understand why it works so well.Â
The secret lies in how ashwagandha interacts with your brain's relaxation system. It appears to work similarly to GABA, a neurotransmitter that helps quiet an overactive mind and promote relaxation. But what sets ashwagandha apart is its gentle, holistic approach. Rather than knocking you out, it helps your body naturally transition into sleep mode, making it the best tea for sleep and anxiety.
8. Traditional Medicinals Nighty Night Valerian
If you’re serious about improving your sleep fast, Nighty Night with Valerian is a must-try. This organic tea blends passionflower and valerian root, two herbs known to calm the mind and promote restful sleep.Â
Passionflower helps quiet the mind by boosting GABA levels, and research shows it improves sleep quality, with one study for the National Library of Medicine even finding it as effective as Ambien when combined with valerian. Brewed at a warm (not boiling) temperature, this tea delivers a soothing, earthy cup perfect for easing into a restful night and you can find it on Amazon as well.
Best Chamomile Tea for Sleep
9. Celestial Seasoning’s Sleepytime Extra
The best chamomile tea for sleep, Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime Extra is an enjoyable blend of sleep-promoting herbs, with chamomile soothing spearmint, and powerful valerian root It’s smooth, slightly sweet and refreshing — no bitterness in sight. Plus, you can easily find it at most grocery stores or order it on Amazon for convenience.
Best Tea for Sleep FAQs
What Is the Best Drink To Sleep Fast?
When it comes to unwinding before bed, tea is one of the best drinks to help you relax. The soothing aroma and natural compounds in herbal teas calm the nervous system, making it easier to drift off to sleep. The right blend of ingredients can even improve sleep quality, helping you stay asleep longer.
Another excellent bedtime drink is golden milk, a warm and comforting blend of milk, turmeric, ginger and cinnamon. Studies have found that the tryptophan, calcium and magnesium in milk support melatonin production, the hormone that regulates sleep.
Meanwhile, turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and may help ease anxiety and stress; two common culprits of restless nights. If dairy isn’t your thing, almond milk is a great alternative. It contains tryptophan and magnesium, which help calm the nervous system and regulate the body’s sleep-wake cycle.
Is It OK To Drink Sleep Tea Every Night?
Yes, it’s generally safe to drink sleep tea every night, especially if it’s made with natural, caffeine-free ingredients like chamomile, valerian root or lavender. These herbs have been used for centuries to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. In fact, choosing the best tea for sleep can become a soothing nightly ritual that signals to your body that it’s time to wind down.
However, it’s important to pay attention to how your body responds as some ingredients, like valerian root, can cause drowsiness the next day for some people. If you have any health conditions or take medications, it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor.
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If you struggle with falling asleep due to anxiety, indigestion or general insomnia, finding the best tea for sleep can literally transform your life. For the best experience, stick to one teaspoon of loose-leaf tea per cup for a consistent flavor and effect.
Another way to improve your sleep quality is to avoid eating or drinking at least two hours before bed to prevent late-night trips to the bathroom or heartburn. It’s also best to cut off caffeine by 2 p.m. and skip alcohol in the evening, as both can disrupt deep sleep. With the right bedtime routine and a calming cup of tea, you’ll be on your way to better, more restful nights.
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