We’ve all seen the calming Celestial Seasonings box featuring that little bear, drifting off to dreamland in his cozy armchair, clutching a mug of sleepytime tea to ensure a smooth road to the REM cycle. I’ve been “dressing for the job you want”-ing that bear ever since I found that night cap at the thrift store. But, did you ever stop to ask why that particular tea could make that bear so ready for bed? It isn’t surgical anesthesia, but the particular combination of herbs that make up a standard cup has the capacity to knock us out (in a positive way). Today, we’ll shed a little light on what goes on within a sleepytime tea bag. Well, not too much light, because we’re getting ready to take a nap.
What’s in sleepytime tea that makes you sleepy?
Sleepytime tea contains herbs with natural calming and sedative qualities. Chamomile is a key ingredient. It’s known for promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. Valerian root is another common component. It is believed to have calming effects on the nervous system. And tilia flowers and passionflower are often included for their potential calming and sleep-inducing powers. Combined, these herbs create a blend that helps ease tension and prepares the body for sleep. Sleepytime teas are also notably caffeine-free, making them suitable for consumption before bedtime.
How does sleepytime tea work?
Sleepytime tea combines herbs with natural calming properties to create a soothing tea blend that initiates general relaxation and sleep readiness. While the sedative impact is generally subtle, the collective influence of the herbs creates a sense of tranquility, making it easier for you to unwind and become one with that snoozing bear on the packaging.
Does sleepytime tea have melatonin?
Most sleepytime teas do not contain melatonin. Instead, they rely on a blend of herbs to aid sleep. Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the body to regulate sleep-wake cycles. Some specialized sleep teas or supplements may include melatonin as an added ingredient, but traditional sleepytime tea is melatonin-free.
We hope you’ve learned a little bit more about why sleepytime tea does such a lovely job ushering you off to a well-earned snooze. Using the word “sleepytime” so much has definitely made my eyelids a little heavy, but it shouldn’t affect my life negatively in any way…anyhow, now off to my second job as a *yawn* city bus driver!
Thoughts? Questions? Complete disagreement? Leave a comment!