Chamomile Tea For Sleep: Does it Really Work?

by Somya Agrawal

Are you dealing with sleeplessness and wondering if you should try hands-on chamomile tea? If Yes, this article will help you decide if you should invest in chamomile tea or not for a sound sleep. Read till the last to know everything.

What is chamomile tea?

Chamomile tea is an herbal infusion made from the dried flowers of the chamomile plant, specifically from two common types: German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile).

Well-known for its relaxing and calming qualities, chamomile tea is used to relieve stress and encourage sleep. It has a light, slightly sweet flavor with hints of apple and floral notes. It’s caffeine-free, making it a popular choice for those seeking a warm, comforting beverage without the stimulating effects of caffeine.

Beyond its pleasant taste and relaxation benefits, chamomile tea is also believed to have various health benefits. It’s been traditionally used to aid digestion, alleviate menstrual cramps, reduce inflammation, and boost the immune system, among other potential benefits. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before using herbal remedies for medicinal purposes.

Health Benefits of chamomile tea:

Chamomile tea is believed to offer several potential health benefits, although scientific evidence supporting some of these claims may vary. Here are some of the commonly cited benefits of chamomile tea:

1) Promotes Relaxation & Sleep: Chamomile tea is often consumed before bedtime due to its calming properties. It contains apigenin, an antioxidant that may bind to certain receptors in the brain, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety, thus aiding in sleep.

2) Supports Healthy Digestion: Chamomile tea has been traditionally used to soothe digestive issues such as indigestion, bloating, gas, and stomach cramps. It may help relax muscles in the gastrointestinal tract and reduce inflammation.

3) Eases Inflammation: Compounds found in chamomile have anti-inflammatory qualities. Drinking chamomile tea may help reduce inflammation in the body, potentially offering relief from conditions like arthritis and inflammatory bowel diseases.

4) Boosts Immunity: The antioxidants present in chamomile tea, such as flavonoids, may help strengthen the immune system and protect the body against infections and illnesses.

5) Relieve Menstrual Cramps: Chamomile tea is sometimes used to alleviate menstrual cramps and discomfort associated with PMS (premenstrual syndrome) due to its calming and muscle-relaxing effects.

6) Promotes Healthy Skin: Chamomile tea is sometimes used topically or consumed orally for skin health. It may help soothe skin irritations, such as sunburns, eczema, and minor wounds, due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

7) Potential Cancer Prevention: Some studies suggest that chamomile tea may have anti-cancer properties, although more research is needed to confirm this. Certain compounds in chamomile may inhibit the growth of cancer cells and promote apoptosis (cell death) in cancerous cells.

While chamomile tea is generally considered safe for most people when consumed in moderate amounts, it’s essential to be mindful of potential allergies or interactions with medications. Additionally, pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider before consuming herbal teas, including chamomile tea.

Does chamomile tea make you sleep?

Yes. Chamomile tea is usually consumed before bedtime because it is believed to have calming and relaxing properties that help promote sleep. This effect is primarily attributed to the presence of an antioxidant called apigenin, which can bind to certain receptors in the brain, exerting mild sedative effects.

While chamomile tea may help some people feel more relaxed and sleepy, its effectiveness in promoting sleep can vary from person to person. Factors such as individual sensitivity to chamomile, overall health, stress levels, and sleep habits can influence its impact on sleep quality.

Here are some potential ways chamomile tea may help you sleep:

1) Calming Effects: Chamomile tea contains compounds, including apigenin, that have mild sedative properties. Apigenin binds to certain receptors in the brain, such as GABA receptors, which are involved in promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. By modulating these receptors, chamomile tea may help calm the nervous system and induce a state of relaxation conducive to sleep.

2) Reduced Anxiety: Stress and anxiety can interfere with sleep onset and quality. Chamomile tea is believed to have anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects, helping to alleviate feelings of tension and worry that can keep you awake at night. By reducing anxiety levels, chamomile tea may indirectly promote better sleep. 

3) Muscle Relaxation: Chamomile tea contains compounds that have muscle-relaxing properties. Drinking chamomile tea before bedtime may help relax tense muscles and relieve physical tension, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.

4) Digestive Comfort: Digestive discomfort, such as indigestion, bloating, or stomach cramps, can disrupt sleep. Chamomile tea is known for its digestive-soothing properties, which may help alleviate gastrointestinal issues that could otherwise interfere with sleep quality.

5) Ritual & Association: Establishing a bedtime routine, such as drinking a cup of chamomile tea before bed, can signal to your body that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep. The act of brewing and sipping warm tea can be comforting and relaxing, creating a psychological association between chamomile tea consumption and bedtime.

It’s important to keep in mind that individual responses to chamomile tea can vary, and not everyone may experience significant sleep-promoting effects. Additionally, while chamomile tea can be a helpful part of a bedtime routine, it’s not a substitute for addressing underlying sleep disorders or implementing healthy sleep habits. If you have chronic sleep difficulties, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment.

    Are there any side effects of chamomile tea?

    While chamomile tea is generally considered safe for most people when consumed in moderate amounts. However excessive intake can cause side effects or interactions in some individuals. Some potential side effects associated with over intake of chamomile tea include allergic reactions, drowsiness, and gastrointestinal discomfort (for those with underlying chronic gastric disorders).

      SUMMING UP

      Chamomile tea is a herbal tea containing compounds that have muscle-relaxing properties. Stress and anxiety can interfere with sleep onset and quality. Chamomile tea is believed to have anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects, helping to alleviate feelings of tension and worry that can keep you awake at night.

      Drinking chamomile tea before bedtime may help relax tense muscles and relieve physical tension, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night

      However, it’s important to note that individual responses to chamomile tea can vary, and not everyone may experience significant sleep-promoting effects. Additionally, while chamomile tea can be a helpful part of a bedtime routine, it’s not a substitute for addressing underlying sleep disorders or implementing healthy sleep habits.