The Benefits and Possible Side Effects of Sleepytime Tea

Celestial Seasonings' Sleepytime tea is a much-loved nighttime remedy of an herbal blend that includes chamomile, spearmint, and tilia flowers, among others. There are over a dozen types of Sleepytime tea, all geared toward getting a more restful night's sleep.

Sleepytime tea was created to calm and soothe the system before bedtime, using an all-natural blend of herbs. While there are benefits to drinking herbal teas, they can also potentially create side effects in some individuals with allergies or sensitivities.

Registered dietitian Moushumi Mukherjee, RDN, who is based in East Lansing, Michigan, weighs in here on the benefits of drinking Sleepytime tea and possible side effects.

Benefits of Drinking Sleepytime Tea

Here are some potential benefits of drinking Sleepytime tea. Note that most of the research cited here has studied the ingredients found in Sleepytime tea rather than testing use of the tea itself.

It May Help You Relax

The main herb in Sleepytime tea that is often promoted for relaxation and sleepiness is chamomile, which Mukherjee says has a sleep-inducing effect. Drinking tea, in general, helps relax and soothe the brain and body, Mukherjee says.

It May Help With Anxiety

5 Side Effects of Sleepytime Tea

Additionally, here are some possible side effects to be aware of that may be linked to drinking Sleepytime tea. Note that some side effects are only related to ingredients in certain varieties of Sleepytime tea.

1. It May Give You a Headache

An ingredient in one variety of Sleepytime tea (Sleepytime Extra) is an herb called valerian. “Valerian has been shown to cause headaches, dizziness, and upset stomach, specifically when taken over long periods of time,” Mukherjee says.

Tea with valerian should not be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding because its safety is not known.

2. It Might Make You Drowsy

This may be the entire reason you are drinking Sleepytime tea, but Sleepytime Extra contains a warning on the box that you should not drive or operate machinery after drinking the tea. This could be a problem if you accidentally drink your Sleepytime tea during the day.

3. Long-Term Use May Affect Your Heart

4. It Can Interact With Certain Medications

Herbs are tricky, and depending on which Sleepytime herbal blend you choose, you might have an unintended interaction.

5. It Might Trigger Allergies

How Long Does Sleepytime Tea Take to Kick In?

The time it will take your tea to kick in depends on a few factors, the amount of time between your last meal, your own metabolism, and how strong you brew your tea (or the amount of time you let your tea steep).

It's recommended that you steep your tea for a full five minutes to gain the most benefit, but the time it takes to feel the effects could take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes.

• Stay off the phone, television, or computer while trying to fall asleep.
• Exercise during the day and not close to bedtime.
• Use low light in the evening.
• Avoid caffeine late in the day.
• Aim to sleep and wake around the same time each night and day.

The Takeaway

• Celestial Seasonings' Sleepytime tea is an herbal tea blend that includes chamomile, spearmint, and tilia flowers, among others.
• There’s some evidence that specific ingredients in the tea have been linked to benefits including relaxation, lowering anxiety, lowering inflammation, and improving sleep quality.
• It’s also important to know that some of the ingredients in some varieties of the tea are known allergens, may interact with certain medications, and may not be recommended for people with heart issues.