The list of ways to improve your sleep grows every day. From the type of mattress, pillows, and bedding you select, to the lighting in the room, to ambient choices like sound and scent, down to what you put in your body; if you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, there are ways to encourage your body to submit to this all-important process.
While a nice glass of warm milk is the stereotypical idea of a drink to encourage sleep, who drinks warm milk in 2020? Many people turn to a warming cup of tea in the hours before bedtime to relax; this traditional remedy contains L-theanine, an amino acid that is said to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
Making tea before bed is a little different than relying on a normal waking hours kettle. Because it’s working during sleep hours, you want to not only ensure that your tea is the right temperature right off the bat (as opposed to having the luxury of waiting for water to cool), but you also need to take safety into consideration: leaving a kettle on the stove and falling asleep could be a major disaster. Here are some of our favorite options for a safe way to make soothing bedtime tea.
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How We Selected the Best Bedtime Tea Makers
Much like their tastes for tea, everyone has a different definition of what makes a great tea maker. Some value the ability to brew a specialty variety of tea at the exact right temperature, while others just want a fast kettle that will get water boiling quickly so they can soak their teabags. While the variety of tea makers on the market make it tough to choose the right one, there were some features we looked for as we were defining our favorites.
Adjustable Temperature Settings and a Keep-Warm Function
Having a tea kettle that can bring a standard seven-cup pot of water to a boil in a matter of minutes is great, but having the precision to set a desired temperature is even better. Certain types of tea brew better at lower temperatures, while others require a high boil to extract the most amount of flavor. We really appreciated kettles that could be simply set to specific heat levels. Furthermore, it was an added bonus if those kettles had a “keep warm” function that would maintain that heat in case you wanted a second cup without going through the whole boiling process again.
Safety Features
One of the many reasons you turn to an electric kettle for a bedtime tea maker is to avoid setting a stovetop kettle on an open flame and falling asleep or forgetting about it. Added safety features like temperature sensors that automatically shut the kettle off if it overheats, or dry-boil sensors that shut the kettle off when water runs out are essential in not only ensuring the safety of you and your home, but they preserve the longevity of the device as well.
Keeping It Cordless
Electric kettles require some electric source (of course). A majority of the time they plug into the wall, which is typically convenient as they’re set up in your kitchen. Having to unplug a kettle to fill a cup, or to initially fill it with water, however, can be a bit of an inconvenience. We preferred kettles that had a 360-degree heating source base where you could remove the kettle itself, refill it, and set it back down to boil. The added convenience is definitely worth it.
Tips for Picking the Best Bedtime Tea Maker
Choosing the right bedtime tea maker for you will depend on a few key factors. With a product assortment as wide as electric kettles, with drastically different price points and a wide variation of features, you may be inclined to just choose the least expensive. It’s important to make sure the kettle you pick has everything you need, however, and odds are, if you have a list of qualities you want in a bedtime tea maker, there is a product in that price range to accommodate your needs. Here are a couple things to keep in mind as you’re picking a kettle.
- The Type of Tea You Like: If you’re a standard bag of black tea person, you may be able to get away with a common electric kettle that boils water quickly and easily. For those that are interested in experimenting with different types of tea, or have more temperamental tea tastes, a device capable of different temperatures could be key. For example, more subtle green teas brew best with water ranging from 170 to 180 degrees; being able to control your temperature can help get the best flavor for your tea.
- Your Home Decor: This is a strictly superficial consideration, but don’t settle for a kettle you don’t like looking at. These devices can be a beautiful piece of home decor, with vibrant LED lights, or painted steel designs that can add accent and personality to your kitchen. Make sure the device fits your aesthetic and not just your tea brewing needs.
Recapping the Best Bedtime Tea Makers
Finding the right bedtime tea maker can uncover a whole new world of relaxation for you. Being able to brew a cup of tea quickly and easily can help ease anxiety in the hours before sleep, and help your brain unwind as you drift to sleep. When you choose the right tea maker, it can also set you on a path of exploring countless varieties of tea, and experiment with ones that work best for your body.
FAQs
What is the best tea for bedtime?
There are countless types of tea that can help promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. Chamomile is a common choice as a bedtime tea. One important thing to consider is whether or not the tea contains caffeine, which can act as a stimulant and discourage sleep. Pro tip: if you like the relaxing effect of green tea but want to avoid the caffeine, dip a green tea bag a few times into the hot water so it seeps slightly, and then pour it out. Use the remaining, weaker teabag for your cup of tea; it will help reduce the caffeine and retain the calming properties.
Does Sleepytime tea really help you sleep?
Sleepytime tea is typically decaffeinated, and oftentimes includes sleep promoting herbs like valerian root and chamomile. It can act as a anti-anxiety supplement and promote relaxation and calm before you sleep.
What is in Yogi Bedtime Tea?
Yogi Bedtime Tea is made of a tea blend, with an added combination of passionflower, chamomile flower, licorice, cardamom and cinnamon to enhance flavor and promote relaxation..
