Enjoying a warm cup of chamomile tea at night is incredibly soothing. Whether you relax with a good book, engage in journaling, or indulge in a calming bath with essential oils, chamomile offers numerous benefits for your overall well-being. It serves as the perfect beverage to help you unwind and prepare for a peaceful night’s sleep. Interestingly, individuals on TikTok have begun to explore alternative ways to enjoy chamomile by creating chamomile mocktails designed to enhance sleep quality.
According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, your overall health depends on getting solid, restful nighttime Z’s. It’s a time when your body can recharge and repair itself from a busy day. Yet approximately 50 to 70 million Americans deal with sleep disorders, and one out of every three adults doesn’t achieve the recommended amount of peaceful sleep. (Healthy adults should strive for at least seven hours of shuteye each night, the Sleep Foundation reports.)
If you feel you need better sleep in your life, it may be time to switch up your nighttime routine. Enter chamomile mocktails, one of the latest trends to make waves on social media. It may be exactly what your nights are missing!
What Is a Chamomile Mocktail?
TikTokers are shaking up delicious chamomile mocktails, and it’s safe to say we’re obsessed.
Holistic nutritionist @lainiecooks shared her chamomile mocktail recipe in a video. She explained, “This is a delicious mocktail to turn your brain off at night and help you to unwind. Grab your favorite glass, then steep some chamomile tea in four ounces of hot water, add the juice from one freshly squeezed grapefruit, then add the tea in, then top it off with OLIPOP Lemon Lime or Zevia Lemon Lime. It’s so light, it’s refreshing, it’s calming, it’ll help you relax after a busy day.”
You can tweak your chamomile mocktail recipe however you’d like. Another TikTok user, @meowmeix, prepares hers with chamomile tea, tart cherry juice, sparkling water, fresh lemon juice, and magnesium powder.
Benefits of Drinking Chamomile Tea Before Bedtime
Sipping some soothing chamomile calms anxiety and promotes relaxation. “Chamomile contains apigenin, an antioxidant that binds to certain receptors in your brain that may decrease anxiety and initiate sleep,” explains Amy Goodson, MS, RD, CSSD, LD, a registered dietitian and certified specialist in sports dietetics who sits on our Medical Expert Board.
“Some studies suggest that chamomile tea can improve overall sleep quality, particularly in older adults and those with chronic insomnia … The mild sedative effect of chamomile tea helps calm the nervous system, reducing stress and anxiety that can interfere with sleep,” Goodson adds.
In addition, chamomile tea is excellent at soothing gastrointestinal upset such as indigestion and bloating, two common disruptors of a good night’s sleep. And finally, chamomile boasts anti-inflammatory properties that can decrease muscle pain, further promoting better Z’s.
Tips for Drinking Chamomile Tea
When adding chamomile tea or chamomile mocktails to your nighttime routine, Goodson recommends enjoying it approximately 30 minutes before hitting the sheets. This allows some time for the calming effects to set in.
“Incorporate chamomile tea into your nightly routine to signal to your body that it’s time to wind down,” she tells us. “For best results, avoid adding sugar or caffeine-containing ingredients that might counteract the calming effects.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Drinking Chamomile Mocktails for Better Sleep
Why should I drink chamomile mocktails for better sleep?
Chamomile contains apigenin, an antioxidant that may promote sleepiness and reduce insomnia when consumed. By incorporating chamomile in mocktails, you can create a relaxing bedtime routine that may help you achieve a better night’s sleep.
How does chamomile help with sleep?
Chamomile is believed to have sedative effects due to its apigenin content. Apigenin binds to specific receptors in the brain that help reduce anxiety and initiate sleep. This may help you fall asleep faster and improve the quality of your sleep.
Are chamomile mocktails safe to drink before bed?
Chamomile is generally considered safe for most people when consumed in moderate amounts. However, if you have allergies to plants in the daisy family, such as ragweed, or are pregnant, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider before regularly consuming chamomile mocktails.
Can chamomile mocktails have the same effect as medications for sleep?
Chamomile mocktails may offer a natural alternative to sleep medications for some individuals. While they may not have the same potency as prescription drugs, the soothing properties of chamomile can still help relax the mind and body, making it easier to drift off to sleep.
When is the best time to drink a chamomile mocktail for better sleep?
The best time to enjoy a chamomile mocktail for better sleep is typically about an hour before bedtime. This allows your body to start relaxing and benefiting from the calming effects of chamomile before you actually lay down to sleep.
