Mattress Reviews 
Best Mattresses 
Compare Mattresses 
Accessory Reviews 
Sleep Science 
Sleep Disorders 
Sleep Tips 
Health 
Having a ritual to wind down before bed is important to get your mind and body prepared for sleep. Some brew a cup of tea to enhance their nighttime routine, but did you know there are a plethora of teas out there that are deliberately formulated to help you relax?
These nighttime teas use a blend of natural ingredients like chamomile flowers, lemon balm, and passionflower. They’re high in compounds called flavonoids, which “are believed to have sedative and calming effects,” per dietitian Sydney Lappe, RD. “While these might seem like they’re just for flavor, many of them may actually support relaxation and sleep in their own right,” she adds.
But do they really work? Well, our team spent a few nights brewing some of the top sleep teas to see which can act as a natural sleep aid and promote better sleep quality. Here’s a hand-picked list of the best teas for sleep that came out on top. Any should be a welcome addition to your bedtime routine.
The 5 Best Teas for Sleep
- Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime Extra – Best Tea for Sleep Overall
- Pukka Nighttime Berry – Best-Tasting Tea for Sleep
- Yogi Bedtime Tea – Best Herbal Tea for Sleep
- Adagio 40 Winks – Best Loose Leaf Tea for Sleep
- Republic of Tea Get Some Zzzs – Best Tea for Anxiety and Sleep
Disclaimer: Please note that the content in this article is meant for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice or serve as a substitute for seeing a medical professional regarding any sleep problems you may have. Please see your doctor regarding any urgent medical issues.
What I Looked for in the Best Tea for Sleep
As mentioned, we tried out these teas for a few nights to get a feel for how well they performed for promoting sleep. More than that, though, we also considered the composition of the tea, the taste, and even the price, and how it affected our overall experience.
- Formulation: First and foremost, we took a look at what’s inside all of these teas. Different supplements can be more potent than others. Valerian root, as an example, has a deeper sedative effect than a calming chamomile. This means I might up a score for the inclusion of this ingredient, whereas a chamomile-only tea would get a lower one. More than this, we also looked at the specific content of each ingredient to see if there was enough to achieve the desired effect or if it was just added as an afterthought. Further, some brands use what’s called a “proprietary blend,” which means they don’t have to list the exact amount of each ingredient. This can be a problem for consumers seeking transparency because the manufacturer might dilute the blend with more better-tasting ingredients than those that induce relaxation. Taking all of this in mind, we rated the formulation out of 5.
- Taste: This is the most subjective area, as what one finds palatable varies from tester to tester. We therefore tried to describe the taste (and intensity of it) in detail alongside our opinion of it to recognize that our readers might find it more or less appealing. If we can tell which ingredient is the most potent on the tongue, we’ll make note of that, too. We also gave each tea a taste score out of 5, but note that you may have a different palate.
- Effects: Finally, we took into account whether or not these teas promoted a restful sleep, or at the very least, helped us relax before bed. Wenoted any caveats, such as whether we had caffeine earlier, as well as whether or not it could be a placebo effect.
All of this and more factored into our enjoyment of the tea brewing and tasting experience, which we’ll dive deeper into below.
Celestial Seasonings SleepyTime Extra – Best Sleep Tea Overall
Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime Extra
Budget-friendly and caffeine-free, this herbal tea has been a natural sleep aid for years, and is one of our favorites for nighttime relaxation.
When I’m wanting to brew a cup of tea before bed, SleepyTime Extra is the box I reach for. This tea contains a blend of valerian root, chamomile, and Tilia starflower, alongside notes of spearmint and lemongrass, resulting in a mild and smooth tea that’ll have you extra sleepy. My favorite thing about this tea is how quickly it steeps, for which I gave it a 5-out-of-5 rating for prep.
I’ve used this tea on and off for weeks at a time, even before I was entrusted with the duty of testing its effectiveness. Aside from the soothing ritual of brewing a cup, I’ve noticed that I seem to fall asleep more quickly after finishing my cup. I also have deeper dreams, the kind that continue even after you wake up and fall back asleep, picking up where you left off. Since I usually have back-to-back stress dreams without any intervention, I’m more than pleased with its effects.
It won’t knock you out like a melatonin gummy, but I believe that valerian root does have a soporific effect, so I rated my experience at a 4 out of 5. I will note that I double up on tea bags, putting two in one cup; it’s mostly a habit formed from long years of tea drinking, but it also helps to increase the potency of its effect — and taste.
SleepyTime Extra does steep pretty quickly, almost instantly. But even after leaving the bag in for a few minutes (I’m forgetful), it has a very mild taste. It’s on the weaker side, dominated by the light fragrance of chamomile and a hint of spearmint. Even with doubling up on tea bags, it’s not overwhelming, so if you like something stronger, it’s probably not the tea for you.
You can purchase this tea anywhere from $4 to $7 for a 20-pack, depending on where you’re shopping. Doubling up means I can only get 10 uses per pack, but if you’re a normal tea enjoyer, you should be alright. Besides, I’ve kept coming back to buy it regardless of price. It’s available at major retailers both in-store and online.
I will note that while I think what’s included in this blend is a nice mix of relaxing and good-tasting elements, Celestial Seasonings uses a proprietary blend. This means that you can’t see exactly how much valerian root is in the tea. For all we know, there could be one measly milligram to get the name on the box. Based on how well I’ve been sleeping though, I’m inclined to believe it’s quite a lot.
If you want to know what’s in your tea, check out Yogi’s Bedtime Tea, which lists the amount of each supplement ingredient on the box.
Pukka Nighttime Berry – Best-Tasting Tea for Sleep
Pukka Nighttime Berry
With a fruity and herbal profile, this berry tea goes down smooth and is made with organic ingredients.
When many people think of tea, they imagine the strong earthy tastes associated with black tea or unsweetened matcha. This is the tea I prefer to drink, so I was pleasantly surprised when I fell in love with Pukka’s Nighttime Berry tea. This tea’s floral and fruity bouquet led me to give it a perfect score for taste, so if you’re looking for something that really does taste like berries, you won’t be let down.
This tea contains a mix of organic ingredients for taste and relaxation. The strongest pulls for inducing sleep are valerian root and echinacea, which up the game from a regular old chamomile tea. Some fall into both the tasty and calming categories, like lavender. For this, I gave it a 4 out of 5 for formulation.
I will say that the elderberry and blackcurrant dominate the flavor profile, and it’s a more tart flavor. I was worried it’d taste like cough syrup, a problem I usually have with fruity teas, but it was rather delicious.
The longer that you let this tea sit, the darker and more flavorful it becomes. After two minutes, I’d say it was more than potent enough for drinking, but the box recommends steeping anywhere from five to 15 minutes. Customarily, I leave my tea bag in rather than taking it out, but I finished the whole cup well before that 15-minute period passed.
I tried out this tea on a work trip, so I can’t say for sure if I was also very tired from being more active than usual. But I tend to struggle with sleeping outside the comforts of my room, and it felt like I was out as soon as my head hit the pillow, rather than my overactive mind keeping me awake (which is usually the norm). I rated my overall experience at 4 out of 5.
This tea retails for $6 for a 20-pack, which I’d consider fairly standard. It also has the organic label, though, and still falls well within the realm of affordable. Since the brand didn’t mark up for that, I’m more than satisfied with the price.
The only problem is that this tea is a little hard to find. If you want the specific Nighttime Berry variant, you may have to purchase an excessive quantity on Amazon. In-store availability seems to be fickle.
If you want a tea that’s available in multiple retailers online and in-store, try out Celestial Seasonings SleepyTime Extra.
Yogi Bedtime Tea – Best Herbal Tea for Sleep
Yogi Bedtime Tea
An herbal tea that, true to its name, instills calmness with a blend of chamomile, valerian root, and other botanicals.
Adagio 40 Winks – Best Loose Leaf Tea for Sleep
Adagio Teas 40 Winks
A loose leaf tea, this blend allows you to customize the dosage for optimized sleep and relaxation.
Loose leaf teas are great if you’re looking to get full-bodied flavor from your tea, as you can apportion as much as you’d like into a cup of hot water. Most of the time, they yield stronger and fresher teas than those in a bag. If you’re looking to reap the benefits of a sleep tea, a loose leaf one like Adagio’s 40 Winks can get the job done. This tea has a laundry list of sleep-inducing ingredients, including (but not limited to) valerian root, chamomile, lavender, and lemon balm. The sheer variety in this tea led me to give it a perfect score for formulation.
When I opened this bag, I was surprised to see that this tea wasn’t ground up. You can see every individual ingredient, which is great for transparency but can also cause issues for folks unfamiliar with steeping loose leaf tea. Transferring it into a steeper when you have to deal with miniature flowers and what looks like chunks of tree bark can be a bit cumbersome.
I own multiple steepers, and I used my one-cup steeper to prepare this tea. It has medium-sized holes, so there was a bit of fallout in the cup, but I’m never too concerned with this. After everything was settled, it steeped to full potency within a few minutes. I think most won’t have an issue with this tea, but if you’re looking for something quick and easy, you might want to stick to typical tea bags.
I tried out this tea while I wasn’t feeling the greatest, so I’ll admit my experience could be affected by that. I didn’t feel much sleepier, though that could be because of my condition. However, I noticed that I had incredibly deep dreams the nights that I used this tea, which I would class as a sign that it works. Based on this, I rated my experience at 4 out of 5.
It has a unique woodsy taste that I would imagine many casual tea drinks would find too strong. I did notice hints of lavender, but I believe the primary note here was the valerian root. I haven’t reached for it in a while, so I can’t say the taste is appealing to me. I prefer something floral or fruity like Pukka Nighttime Berry before bed. If you’re looking for something earthier, though, it might work for you.
You can purchase this tea only on the Adagio site, which I found relatively seamless to navigate. They still send me promotional emails even after one purchase, but everything arrived on-time, actually a few days before expected.
A 2-ounce bag costs $14, and the brand prices it at $0.36 per serving, but I find with loose leaf teas, the serving size can really vary. Some people use more product for a stronger brew, while others brew less for a milder taste. I certainly don’t measure things out and go by feeling, so I hesitate to call it affordable, but I don’t think it’s a rip-off by any means. It’s about what I would expect for loose leaf tea.
Republic of Tea Get Some Zzzs – Best Tea for Anxiety and Sleep
Republic of Tea Get Some Zzzs
This caffeine-free tea is made with an adaptogen formula meant to calm you down and assist with both anxiety and sleep.
As someone who struggles with anxiety and getting a good night’s sleep, I can’t underscore the importance of setting a before-bed routine. I’ve found that brewing a cup of sleep tea before bed can help get my racing mind into sleep-mode before my head even hits the pillow. While chamomile does its job alright, I often recommend teas with valerian root for its more potent effects — at least, in my experience.
If you’re looking for one such tea that steeps in mere seconds, I’d recommend Republic of Tea’s aptly named Get Some Zzzs. For reference, I gave this tea a perfect score for preparation.
Republic of Tea is most notable for its cylindrical tins that I often see lining the shelves of mom-and-pop kitchen stores. I go for it when I’m wanting high-quality but easy-to-use tea bags, so I was more than happy to give its sleep tea a try.
Steeping was near-instant with this tea. The tea bags themselves don’t have strings to hang on the rim of your cup, but as someone who leaves my tea bag in, this didn’t bother me. It only means your tea will get stronger and stronger the more you let it sit — though mine had already turned a light green as soon as the bag hit the hot water. The bags are small, so you could double-up as needed for bolder flavor and more relaxation.
It has a nice floral taste that’s nothing too groundbreaking, but definitely pleasant. It reminds me of what I might get if I were to order a cup of tea at an upscale cafe. I rated the taste at 4 out of 5, and I’d recommend it to just about everyone – casual tea drinkers or tea fiends like me.
While this tea didn’t knock me out after one cup, I definitely felt more relaxed. I made a note of how I felt that night and said I fell asleep “fairly fast,” which is a rave review from an insomniac like me. I was a bit sleepy upon waking — but again, not too out of the ordinary for me. I rated my experience at 4 out of 5.
This tea comes in at $13 for a can of 36 tea bags, which while a bit more expensive, is more bang for your buck than most box teas. I’ve also found I like Republic of Tea better than most other tea bag brands, whether for the quality or the flavor of their blends, so I’m more than happy to pay a bit more for more product. It still comes in at $0.36 per serving, which I’d call reasonable.
Republic of Tea is available in certain stores, as well as online retailers like Amazon. It shouldn’t be too hard to track it down.
Looking for a smaller amount of tea to begin your trial? Give Yogi’s Bedtime Tea a spin.
Other Teas for Sleep I Considered
If nothing on the list piques your fancy, here are some other teas that we gave the college try:
Bigelow Cozy Chamomile
Bigelow keeps it simple with this chamomile tea, which only contains one thing: chamomile flowers. The result is a simple, affordable, and mild-tasting tea that should help you unwind. It doesn’t have many of the other high-roller ingredients you see in the herbal blends above, so it may not be a powerful option to induce sleep. However, if you’re looking to build a before-bed tea routine, brewing and drinking chamomile tea like this might be a good place to start.
Hey Girl It’s Bedtime: Sleep & Dream for Tomorrow
Our tester Cait Giddings thought this was the best-tasting tea she’s ever tried. It’s made with orange peel and stevia for a sweeter, citrus flavor. Aside from the typical relaxation players of valerian root, passionflower, chamomile, and lemon balm, this tea contains an unexpected ingredient: catnip herb — though Cait noted that the tea never induced a reaction from her feline friends. We decided to leave it off our list due to Cait’s gripes about the long steep time (10 minutes) and above-average pricepoint (about $20 for 18 tea bags).
How We Picked and Tested These Sleep Teas
Let’s dive deeper into what makes a good sleep tea, looking at what’s inside and what it does to promote quality sleep.
Formulation
You may have heard of common types of tea like green tea, black, tea, and finally, herbal teas. The majority of sleep teas are herbal teas, which are often caffeine-free or have otherwise low or negligible caffeine content. Caffeine is a main player in keeping the nervous system awake when we’re trying to wind down. This is why it’s recommended to monitor your caffeine intake many hours before you’re ready for bed.
Herbal teas can be one type of herb or blends. Sleep tea blends can contain a mix of ingredients for both taste and to promote sedative effects, with some falling in both categories. Popular choices are chamomile, passionflower, lavender, and lemon balm, which all contain apigenins, a type of flavonoid known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and sedative properties. Reasons for adding others are more anecdotal, such as peppermint having a nice taste and soothing effect on the tongue.
A common ingredient you’ll see is valerian root, which has a more potent effect in causing drowsiness to sleepers, albeit in higher doses. I tend to opt for valerian teas as I find them more sleep-promoting than those without it.
Some teas may contain supplements like GABA, l-theanine, or melatonin. The lattermost is a hormone that helps regulate sleep and your circadian rhythm. Since melatonin can help trigger the sleep cycle, it might be more powerful than a traditional tea blend, so be sure to read the fine print and check with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.
As you’re reading the label of your tea bag or box, you might notice the words “proprietary blend.” This means that the brand doesn’t have to advertise how much of each ingredient is in the blend in order to prevent its formulation from being copied. Some testers (like yours truly) may knock off points for this, as I prefer transparency when I’m putting something in my body. It also lets you know if the ingredient you bought it for (such as valerian root) is actually a major player in the formulation, rather than just added for brownie points.
Taste
Just as teas can vary in formulation, they can vary in taste. Some teas have floral notes, like lavender tea or passionflower tea. Citrus notes can come from orange peel or lemongrass. Others might taste woodsy or earthy, thanks to the inclusion of valerian root. If you don’t know which flavor you prefer, choosing a sleep tea can feel like throwing darts on the wall and hoping something sticks.
This is why our testers tried to describe the flavor in detail and which ingredients are likely responsible. I recommend chamomile tea for newbies, as it has a mild flavor that’s just a step up from nothing. I also loved the berry flavor of the Pukka Nighttime Berry tea if you’re wanting something that packs a punch.
Taste is subjective, so don’t be afraid to get a variety pack and find out which notes are your favorite. From there, you can whittle down the options on the market.
Effect
It’s important to note that the studies mentioned show that the efficacy of these teas and the herbs within them are varied. We made note of whether or not we felt the tea contributed to feelings of sleepiness, and a number of our testers found the ritual of brewing tea every night helped them get ready for bed, regardless of which tea they used. Some had us feeling sleepy, but you’ll notice that many didn’t “knock us out.” I think that sleep teas are great for folks who are wary of using more potent sleep aids, allowing them to have a natural come-down from the high energy or stresses of the day.
Our chief medical advisor Dr. Raj Dasgupta notes that herbal or decaffeinated tea is unlikely to be a catch-all for sleep problems or disorders. “Decaffeinated tea by itself can never solve your sleep problems, but if it helps you feel more comfortable and relaxed at night, then it can be a good addition to your night-time routine,” he explains. He also recommends engaging in better sleep hygiene, such as setting a bedtime and putting screens away long before you get into bed, to promote healthier sleep — and, ultimately, overall wellness.
What to Consider When Buying Sleep Tea
If you’re still stuck on which to choose, here are some other aspects of finding the right tea that might be important to you.
Preparation
Some folks have the time or energy to prepare a loose leaf tea before bed, lovingly spooning out each dose into a strainer. Others might just want to slap a bag in some pre-boiled water and call it done. It’s best to find out which tea-drinker you are before you commit to a long preparation process.
Our testers took notes on how easy or frustrating they found the process of making their tea and gave it a score out of 5 for preparation. This will differ whether your tea comes loose or in pre-portioned bags. Some have longer steep times, which means you might be sitting around waiting for your tea to turn opaque. On our list, we have plenty of “grab-and-go” teas, as well as more delicate options for the experienced connoisseur.
Quantity
Teas can come pre-packaged with 20 or so bags in one box, or they can come in however many ounces if it’s loose. How much you buy will depend on how much of an avid tea-drinker you are, such as how long you plan to drink and how often you plan to drink. Be sure to consider the price as well, as you may not want to spend a lot on a small amount if you’re looking for something that will last you months.
Price
Some folks may not want to fork over a lot of money for sleep tea, especially if they’re just getting into the habit or they’re worried it may not work for them. We have a range of offerings from simple, budget-friendly tea bags to more curated loose leaf teas for your perusal.
If you’re curious about finding your own deal, I recommend looking at the price per serving rather than how much a whole lot costs. Generally, I think around $0.30 to $0.60 per serving is more than reasonable.
Possible Side Effects
As with any supplement to your diet or routine, be sure to consult with your doctor before making any major changes. Some innocuous-seeming ingredients can react poorly with preexisting health conditions or prescription medications, causing detrimental side effects. Also, since you are taking this tea to wind down, be sure not to drink it before any activity where you’ll need to be alert.
FAQs
What tea is best for sleep?
I recommend Celestial Seasoning’s SleepyTime Extra tea for sleep. The Sleepytime Tea line in general is good, but I’ve found the most success with the “extra” version, likely due to its use of valerian root alongside other ingredients. I double up on bags for taste and effectiveness.
Does chamomile tea make you sleep?
Chamomile flowers have natural antioxidant and relaxing properties, which is why they are often used in sleepytime teas. However, research is mixed as to whether chamomile will “make you” sleep. It may certainly help you relax in time for bed.
Who should not drink sleep tea?
Don’t drink a sleep tea if you are sensitive or allergic to any of its components. Always double check that none of your prescription medication interacts with any ingredients. If you are going to engage in an activity that requires alertness and focus, like operating a motor vehicle, I wouldn’t recommend drinking tea with possibly sedative effects. Always speak to your doctor or healthcare provider if you’re suffering from any sleep disorders, especially before trying to supplement treatment with sleep teas.
Sources
- Brock, C., Whitehouse, J., Tewfik, I., & Towell, T. (2013). American Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora): A Randomised, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Crossover Study of its Effects on Mood in Healthy Volunteers. Phytotherapy Research, 28(5), 692–698. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5044
- Shinjyo, N., Waddell, G., & Green, J. (2020). Valerian Root in Treating Sleep Problems and Associated Disorders—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine, 25(25). https://doi.org/10.1177/2515690×20967323
- Snel, J., & Lorist, M. M. (2011). Effects of caffeine on sleep and cognition. Progress in Brain Research, 190, 105–117. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-444-53817-8.00006-2
- Salehi, B., Venditti, A., Sharifi-Rad, M., Kręgiel, D., Sharifi-Rad, J., Durazzo, A., Lucarini, M., Santini, A., Souto, E. B., Novellino, E., Antolak, H., Azzini, E., Setzer, W. N., & Martins, N. (2019). The Therapeutic Potential of Apigenin. International journal of molecular sciences, 20(6), 1305. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms20061305
- Dashwood, R., & Visioli, F. (2025). l-theanine: From tea leaf to trending supplement – does the science match the hype for brain health and relaxation?. Nutrition research (New York, N.Y.), 134, 39–48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nutres.2024.12.008
- Fatemeh, G., Sajjad, M., Niloufar, R., Neda, S., Leila, S., & Khadijeh, M. (2021). Effect of melatonin supplementation on sleep quality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Neurology, 269(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-020-10381-w