Is Green Tea Before Bed A Good Idea? What You Need To Know!

We understand, green tea is pretty awesome. Apart from it’s amazing grassy taste and earthy aromas that instantly transports you to the lush - nature kissed tea farms, this wonder beverage is also known to be amazing for your health and wellbeing. But this begs a few questions! Are there any drawbacks to sipping green teas all throughout the day? And is it a good idea to drink green tea before bed?

In this blog, we will be steeping out the facts from fiction and answering what the best green tea before bed is to lull you into a restful slumber. Let’s start from the basics:        

What are the Benefits of Green Tea?

Green tea is well regarded as one of the healthiest beverages on the planet that could offer several health benefits. Green tea leaves contain high levels of catechin (a plant-based antioxidant compounds) that according to a paper in the National Library of Medicine, has been proven to prevent cell damage and even prevent certain diseases.  

The most abundant catechins in green tea is called epigallocatechin-3-gallate or EGCG. EGCG which according to ScienceDirect, that work to nullify inflammation, facilitate weight loss alongside lowering cholesterol levels.

Besides its antioxidant properties, this wonder beverage has also shown to improve cognitive functions like alertness and focus. This could be contributed to compounds like caffeine and amino acids like L-Theanine that are found in abundant quantities in green tea. L-Theanine in particular is known to improve brain function, reduce stress, and promote general relaxation. 

Should you Drink Green Tea Before Bed?

Green tea is an amazing option if you’re looking to improve your sleep quality and quantity. The abundance of L-Theanine in green tea greatly contributes to lowering stress-related hormones and neuron excitement in your brain. This allows your brain to fully relax and unwind, helping you to slip into a restful slumber.

However, addressing the elephant in the room, green tea also has caffeine in it. While the caffeine levels are not as much as that found in black and oolong tea (40-90mg and 30-50mg respectively), it is higher than the levels found in white tea (15-40mg). According to the FDA, an average 8-ounce cup of green tea contains around 37mg of caffeine per serving.

That being said, the answer to whether you can drink green tea before bed isn’t as straight forward. The effects of caffeine on the body is different for different people. Among other things, the rate of absorption and the level of tolerance can greatly affect the potency of caffeine. While some people claim that it is impossible for them to fall asleep after drinking green tea or even white tea after 6PM, others say that it has no effect on them and they sleep like babies.

But given the presence of caffeine in green tea, it is better to not consume this beverage before bed. You can rather opt for the less caffeinated white tea or herbal blends instead. Furthermore, opting for decaffeinated alternatives is also an option.

Can you Drink Green Tea in the Evening?

While it might not be too wise to drink green tea right before bed, this beverage is completely safe to drink through the day till the evening. The amazing taste and aroma of green tea can be enjoyed by anyone and everyone whose looking for a calming and positive experience. The grassy and floral flavor profiles is sure to offer drinkers a rich and unique experience that is also healthy. 

With its moderate caffeine content, green tea can provide a a gentle energy boost without the jitters and crash often associated with stronger and more caffeinated beverages like sugary energy drinks and coffee. Moreover, the presence of L-theanine promotes relaxation and also help reduce stress, making it an ideal companion for winding down after a long and busy day.

However, if you're someone who is sensitive to caffeine or want to book a ticket to Snooze Ville right after the suns sets into the horizon, you might want to opt for a a low-caffeine variety, a herbal alternative or a deracinated green tea.

Also Read: A Closer Look into How to Brew Green Tea Properly

The Bottom Line

While green tea is undeniably a delightful and healthful beverage enjoyed by tea drinkers everywhere, its caffeine content can pose challenges for those looking to enjoy a peaceful night's sleep. The unique combination of antioxidants and L-theanine makes green tea a fantastic choice for promoting relaxation and reducing stress during the day.

However, if you’re sensitive to caffeine or are planning to wind down in the evening, it’s wise to consider alternatives and not have any green tea before bed. Herbal teas or decaffeinated green tea can provide the soothing experience of drinking tea without the potential sleep disruptions. Ultimately, enjoying green tea throughout the day can enhance your overall well-being, but for a restful slumber, choosing the right time and type of tea is key. So, savor your green tea in the afternoon or early evening, and when night falls, switch to calming herbal blends for the best chance at a rejuvenating night’s rest!