Return to T Ching Classics: Stress
The American Institution of Stress reported that 76% of Americans feel financial and work-related situations are leading high stressors. Needless to say, stress can impact the amount of sleep you get in a night. Sleep and mental health go hand in hand, and getting a full night’s rest is beneficial for the mind and body. Unfortunately, one of the leading causes of stress in the U.S. is sleep deprivation. Tea, one of the most popular, long-standing drinks alongside water, has major health benefits in this regard. Drinking tea before bed can help prevent irregular sleep patterns and restlessness, consequently reducing our likelihood of experiencing stress.
Herbal Tea Ensures a Good Night Sleep
Herbal tea is different from most standard teas, coffee, and other beverages. Although coffee may seem appealing to help you get through your day, too much caffeine is not good, as it acts as a stimulant that gives you bursts of energy. Like coffee, there are certain teas that are caffeinated, such as green tea. Choosing caffeine-free herbal tea is ideal for those looking to decrease stress and increase the amount of sleep they get per night.
It’s completely normal to have a busy life; engulfed by a busy work schedule, family, and responsibilities. In addition to the anxiety or depression that can come from work, caffeine increases levels of cortisol in your body. Cortisol is normally referred to as the “stress hormone” because of its association with stress responses. Choosing to limit your amount of caffeine could reduce the amount of time it takes you to fall asleep. There are many long-term distressing and critical side effects that come from poor sleeping habits, including an increase in stress levels.
Healthy Habits
If you are seeking a quick remedy that will help you fall asleep at night, brew a small cup of decaffeinated herbal tea and lie down in a dark room. Adults ages 18 and older should be receiving between seven to nine hours of sleep every day. Those that follow a stress-sleep cycle don’t meet those requirements. Tea is more than a health supplement or sleep remedy.
Chamomile is the tea most recommended for helping you fall asleep. With more than 30 varieties to choose from in the tea market, chamomile has many anxiolytic and antioxidant effects. The antioxidants found in chamomile can boost your energy in the morning, and help you practice regular sleep patterns. Additional benefits include clearing your skin and aiding digestion.
One of the first things to keep in mind when you are trying to find the right routine for bed is to relax. Disconnect from your electronics and try to push away your thoughts about tomorrow’s responsibilities. Having a clear mind will lower stress levels. Take a few sips of your chamomile tea, and you’ll feel calm in no time. Not being able to sleep can be a leading cause for stress-related illnesses and diseases. Headaches, heart attacks, and body pain are just a few examples.
Stress management through improved sleep will benefit your physical and mental health, and using natural remedies like tea can significantly aid the process.
(Editor’s addition: Science!! Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future)
Photo “Person Pouring Liquid Into Brown Ceramic Cup” is copyright under Creative Commons 2.0 Generic License to the photographer Maria Tyutina and is being posted unaltered (source)
