HOW CHAMOMILE TEA IMPROVES ON SLEEP QUALITY

Chamomile tea is a popular herbal tea that is known for its calming properties. Chamomile is a daisy like flowering plant that is part of the Asteraceae family, which also includes sunflowers, marigolds, and Echinacea. It is used as a flavoring agent and herbal medicine. Its primary indications are to treat anxiety, nausea, intestinal gas, diarrhea, and mouth ulcers caused by chemotherapy or radiation treatment.

The tiny daily-like flowers of chamomile have white collars circling raised, cone-shaped, yellow centers and are less than inch wide, growing on long, thin, light green stems. Sometime chamomile grows wild and close to the ground, but you can also find it bordering herb gardens.

Chamomile tea is believed to improve sleep quality because it contains apigenin, a flavonoid that binds to receptors in the brain that promote sleepiness: but before we get into the how chamomile tea enhances or improves on the sleep quality let’s look at some facts and history of chamomile before we get to the bottom of the topic.

Here Are Some Things to Know About Chamomile Tea:

History & Facts About Chamomile

Chamomile has been used as a medicine for thousands of years, dating back to the ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks. It was dedicated to the gods of ancient Egypt as a cure for acute fever.

Types: There are two main types of chamomiles: German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). Both are used to treat the same health problems.

Uses: Chamomile tea is used to treat a variety of conditions, including anxiety, insomnia, stomach problems, muscle spasms, and skin conditions. It can also be used as a mouthwash or applied topically to the skin.

Safety: Chamomile should be avoided by people who are allergic to plants in the daisy family, such as ragweed, chrysanthemum, aster, marigold, or daisy. It should also be avoided by people who are pregnant or nursing, or who have bleeding disorders or take blood thinners.

Interactions: Chamomile may interact with other medications, including sedatives, antidepressants, antiplatelet drugs, anti-seizure medications, aspirin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

How Does Chamomile Improve sleep quality?

Chamomile tea, brewed from dried chamomile flowers, has a long history of traditional use for promoting relaxation and sleep. Chamomile is considered to be a mild sedative or tranquilizer, which means; A meta-analysis of 12 randomized, controlled trials found that chamomile improved sleep quality.

Chamomile tea is naturally caffeine-free, but some manufacturers mix it with other teas that contain caffeine. Check the label before drinking chamomile tea.

Apigenin: Apigenin is an antioxidant that binds to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain, which are also targeted by prescription drugs that treat insomnia, anxiety, or seizures.

Sedative Effects: Chamomile is considered a mild tranquilizer or sedative that may relax the nervous system and promote sleep.

Studies and Discoveries

Some studies have shown that chamomile can improve sleep quality, including: A meta-analysis of 12 randomized, controlled trials found that chamomile improved sleep quality. One study found that chamomile helped people with insomnia function slightly better during the day.

Another study found that chamomile improved sleep-in women during menopause and after pregnancy.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 12 studies concluded that chamomile tea is effective and safe for enhancing sleep quality.

However, the studies and discoveries regarding whether chamomile improve on sleep quality are different; and research on the effectiveness of chamomile tea for sleep shows mixed results. For example, one study found that chamomile did not affect sleep quality, total sleep time, or number of nighttime wakings in adults with insomnia.

How Much Is Sleep Important to Overall Health?

Sleep is an underrated fundamental process that is very important for overall health and wellbeing. However, sleep disorders have emerged and have increased over time and is affecting a significant number of people.

Inadequate sleep can significantly increase the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and mental health issues while quality sleep contributes to better concentration, memory, decision-making, and stress management.

Also Check out this : Perfect Chamomile and Lemongrass Tea Recipe for Stress Relief

Key Health Benefits of Good Sleep

Physical health:

1. Immune system support: Sleep helps the body fight infections by producing essential immune cells.

2. Hormone regulation: During sleep, the body balances hormones like leptin (appetite suppressant) and ghrelin (hunger stimulant), aiding in weight management.

3. Cardiovascular health: Adequate sleep can help maintain healthy blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.

4. Tissue repair: The body undergoes crucial repair processes during sleep.

Mental health:

1. Mood stability: Sufficient sleep is essential for regulating mood and reducing the risk of depression and anxiety.

2. Cognitive function: Sleep is vital for memory consolidation, learning, and concentration.

3. Decision making: good sleep improves cognitive abilities, leading to better decision-making skills.

4. Stress reduction: Quality sleep helps manage stress levels and promotes relaxation.

Conclusion

Chamomile tea stands as a natural, time-tested remedy to enhance sleep quality and overall relaxation. Its calming properties, derived from the powerful antioxidant apigenin, offer a gentle sedative effect that promotes better sleep without the side effects of synthetic medications.

While research provides mixed results, many people find chamomile tea an effective part of their bedtime routine. Beyond its sleep-inducing benefits, chamomile contributes to mental and physical well-being, supporting immune health, hormonal balance, and stress reduction. Incorporating chamomile tea into your nightly habits can be a soothing ritual that aids both your sleep and overall health.