15 Drinks To Try Before Sleeping At Night

Looking for the perfect drink to help you unwind before bed? From herbal teas to warm, soothing tonics, these nighttime beverages can enhance your sleep quality. Here are fifteen comforting drinks to try that will help calm your mind and ease you into a restful night’s sleep.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is a classic night time beverage, and for good reason. Chamomile contains apigenin, an antioxidant that binds to certain receptors in your brain that may reduce insomnia. So, brewing a warm cup of chamomile tea about 30 minutes before you hit the sack can help calm your mind and give you a peaceful sleep.

Warm Milk

This might bring back memories! Warm milk before bed is another time-tested favorite. It has been thought that the psychological link between warm milk and bedtime from our childhoods can signal to our bodies that it is time to wind down. Moreover, milk contains tryptophan, an amino acid that helps your body produce serotonin, a brain chemical that helps you fall asleep more easily.

Magnesium-Rich Drink

Consider a drink mixed with powdered magnesium, like a magnesium-based “sleepy time” tea, or supplement in warm water. Magnesium plays a vital role in supporting deep, restorative sleep by maintaining healthy levels of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that promotes sleep. Many people do not get enough magnesium, so this can be a beneficial double whammy of hydration and supplementation.

Almond Milk

Almond milk is an excellent choice for dairy-free people. It is low in calories and contains magnesium and tryptophan. Drinking a glass of unsweetened almond milk before bed can be soothing and, like regular milk, may help you sleep, especially if you make it a part of your nightly routine.

Valerian Tea

Valerian root has been used for centuries to treat issues like anxiety, depression, and insomnia. The valerenic acid found in the root can help increase levels of GABA in your brain, which helps calm nerves and makes it easier to fall asleep. It has a pretty strong, earthy taste; use honey or a splash of your favorite milk to make it more palatable.

Peppermint Tea

If you have ever finished dinner feeling a bit too full, you know it is not fun trying to sleep with that feeling. Peppermint tea can help. It is great for digestion and does not have any caffeine, so it will not keep you up. Moreover, it is super refreshing, perfect for ending the day on a light note.

Lemon Balm Tea

This one is a little less common, but it is awesome for calming nerves. Lemon balm is part of the mint family, and it is pretty good at easing anxiety and helping you chill out before bed. It tastes a bit like lemon (hence the name), and it is really soothing as a nighttime drink.

Decaffeinated Green Tea

You probably know green tea is good for you because of all those antioxidants. But regular green tea before bed might not be the best idea since it has caffeine. Go for the decaf version instead, so you can still get those benefits without lying awake all night.

Tart Cherry Juice

Here is a cool one, tart cherry juice naturally has a lot of melatonin, that stuff your body makes to help you sleep. Drinking a small glass might boost your melatonin levels and help you get a more restful sleep, especially if your sleep schedule is all over the place.

Passionflower Tea

This is another herbal tea that is good for when you are feeling anxious or stressed. Passionflower helps calm your mind by boosting levels of GABA, a brain chemical that helps reduce activity, letting you relax more completely. It has a mild and slightly sweet taste, which makes for a really nice drink before bed.

Hot Cocoa

Hot cocoa is a comforting, nostalgic drink that can be perfect for winding down. The key is to keep it simple and not too sugary before bedtime. Cocoa is rich in magnesium, which can help relax your muscles and improve sleep quality. Make it with milk for an added boost of tryptophan and calcium, which help produce sleep-inducing melatonin. 

Ashwagandha Tea

This one comes from Ayurveda. Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, which means it helps your body manage stress better. Drinking ashwagandha tea can lower your stress levels and help stabilize your mood, making it easier to fall asleep. Just be aware it has a strong, earthy taste, so you might want to mix it with something like honey.

CBD Tea

CBD is all the rage these days for its ability to reduce anxiety and improve sleep without the psychoactive effects of THC. You can find organic teas that have CBD infused in them, or you can add CBD oil to your favorite herbal tea. It is great for helping you unwind and relax your body before hitting the pillow.

Golden Milk

Golden milk is a traditional Indian drink made with turmeric, which is another adaptogen. You mix turmeric with warm milk (dairy or plant-based), add a pinch of black pepper to enhance absorption, and sometimes spices like cinnamon and ginger for flavor. It is not only good for sleep but also boosts your overall health.

Oat Milk

Oat milk is naturally high in carbohydrates and provides a little boost of melatonin, making it a good choice for a bedtime drink. Warm it up, and maybe add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to make a comforting, sleep-inducing beverage. It is super creamy and can be a nice, soothing part of your bedtime routine.