If you've ever heard that drinking green tea before bed is supposed to be better for your sleep, then you're probably wondering if it's true. After all, green tea is known for its energizing properties due to its caffeine content.
But what about the other components of green tea? Could they be beneficial in helping you get a good night's sleep? Let’s take a closer look at the benefits and drawbacks of drinking green tea before bed.
The Benefits of Drinking Green Tea Before Bed
Green tea contains an amino acid called l-theanine, which has been linked to relaxation and improved mood, as well as promoting better sleep quality.
L-theanine is also known to reduce stress levels and increase alpha brain waves, which have been associated with relaxation and creativity.
This means that while the caffeine in green tea can provide energy during the day, l-theanine can help break down any built-up tension in your body and mind so you can relax into a peaceful sleep at night.
The Drawbacks of Drinking Green Tea Before Bed
Although theanine can certainly help you relax, one drawback to drinking green tea before bed is its caffeine content.
Caffeine is a stimulant that can make it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night–defeating the purpose of drinking green tea in the first place!
To avoid this issue, try opting for decaffeinated green teas instead. There are still plenty of options out there with all the same benefits as regular green teas without any worry about caffeine keeping you up at night.
Final Thoughts On Green Tea Before Bed
So should you drink green tea before bed? Ultimately, that decision depends on your own body chemistry and comfort level with caffeine consumption.
All things considered, drinking green tea before bed may actually help promote better quality sleep than other caffeinated beverages like coffee or black tea due to its lower levels of caffeine combined with its natural calming effects from l-theanine.
However, if you are sensitive to caffeine or just don't want any stimulating effects before bed—herbal or decaffeinated options are always available!
Pro Tip: Drinking anything before bed should always be done in moderation so that you don't disrupt your natural sleeping patterns by having to pee all throughout the night! Thanks for reading and sleep well! Cheers!
