Tired of Tossing and Turning? Check Out Our Expert-Backed Picks for the Best Teas for Sleep in 2025
When choosing the best tea for sleep, first think about the ingredients and the kind of support you need. Some teas contain a blend of herbs that target anxiety or stress, while others promote deep relaxation. To help you find the best teas for sleep, we reviewed the ingredients of various teas, consulted with dietitians, and combed through the latest research to create this list. Here are our top picks for the best teas for sleep, each carefully chosen based on effectiveness, ingredient quality, and expert recommendations.
Our Top Picks for the Best Teas for Sleep
- Best Tea for Sleep Overall: Traditional Medicinals Nighty Night Extra
- Best Tea for Sleep With Chamomile: Teatulia Chamomile Tea
- Best Tea for Sleep With Valerian Root: Numi Sweet Slumber
- Best Tea for Sleep With Ashwagandha: Pukka Peace Balanced Tranquility
- Best Tea for Sleep With Lavender: Clipper Organic Snore & Peace
- Best Tea for Sleep With Passionflower: Buddha Teas Passion Flower Tea
- Best Tea for Sleep With Skullcap Herb: Buddha Teas Sleepy Temple Blend

Best Tea for Sleep Overall
Traditional Medicinals Nighty Night Extra
Pros
- Effective blend of ingredients to help promote relaxation and sleep
- Peppermint may support digestive health
- Organic, non-GMO ingredients
- Pleasant, minty flavor from peppermint leaf
Cons
- May exacerbate heartburn
- Valerian root may cause diarrhea for some users
- Uses strings, tags, and staples, so it is not as eco-friendly as other brands on our list
- Best for: Sleep overall
- Key ingredients: Valerian root, passionflower, lemon balm leaf, peppermint leaf
- Caffeine-free: Yes
- Organic: Yes
Traditional Medicinals Nighty Night Extra earned its spot on our list of the best teas for sleep because of its thoughtful blend of ingredients — including valerian root, passionflower, lemon balm leaf, and peppermint leaf — that naturally support relaxation and improve sleep quality.

Best Tea for Sleep With Chamomile
Teatulia Chamomile Tea
Pros
- Made with organic whole chamomile, which is shown to promote relaxation
- No strings, tags, or staples reduce waste
- All packaging is compostable
Cons
- May not be suitable for pregnant women
- Lack of strings and tags can make it more difficult to remove the tea bag
- Best for: Chamomile
- Key ingredients: Chamomile
- Caffeine-free: Yes
- Organic: Yes
Teatulia Chamomile Tea stands out for its organic whole chamomile. We also appreciate the company's commitment to eco-friendly practices. There are no strings, tags, or staples, and all of the packaging is compostable. The lack of strings and tags could make removing the tea bag a bit tricky, but we think it's worth it to help reduce waste and support environmentally friendly practices.

Best Tea for Sleep With Valerian Root
Numi Sweet Slumber
Pros
- Provides a blend of herbs shown to help promote sleep
- Made with organic herbs
- Climate-neutral certified
- Created the Numi Foundation
Cons
- Valerian root may cause diarrhea for some users
- Licorice root may interact with certain medications
- May not be suitable for pregnant women due to its chamomile content
- Best for: Valerian root
- Key ingredients: Valerian root, chamomile, lavender, lemon balm leaf, licorice root, passionflower
- Caffeine-free: Yes
- Organic: Yes
Numi Sweet Slumber landed on our list as the best tea for sleep with valerian root because of its carefully crafted combination of organic herbs known for calming properties, each helping promote relaxation and a good night’s sleep.
Numi is climate-neutral certified, and its nonprofit, the Numi Foundation, focuses on providing food relief to low-income families and older adults, demonstrating the company's commitment to giving back.

Best Tea for Sleep With Ashwagandha
Pukka Peace Balanced Tranquility
Pros
- A blend of herbs to help reduce stress and support relaxation and sleep
- Made with organic herbs
- Fair trade certified
- Participant in 1 Percent for the Planet
Cons
- May exacerbate heartburn
- Licorice root may interact with certain medications
- May not be suitable for pregnant women due to its chamomile content
- Best for: Ashwagandha
- Key ingredients: Ashwagandha, chamomile, spearmint leaf, licorice root, lavender
- Caffeine-free: Yes
- Organic: Yes
We love Pukka’s blend of organic herbs known for their ability to reduce stress and promote relaxation. We appreciate that the brand uses fair-trade ingredients and supports ethical sourcing practices. We also admire its participation in 1 Percent for the Planet, showing its commitment to giving back to the environment by donating a portion of sales to support environmental causes.

Best Tea for Sleep With Lavender
Clipper Organic Snore & Peace
Pros
- A blend of herbs shown to support sleep
- Made with organic herbs
- Fair trade certified
- B Corp certified
Cons
- May exacerbate heartburn
- May not be suitable for pregnant women due to its chamomile content
- Best for: Lavender
- Key ingredients: Lavender, chamomile, lemon balm, lemongrass, spearmint
- Caffeine-free: Yes
- Organic: Yes
Clipper is fair trade and B Corp certified, which adds a layer of trust and social responsibility to your purchase.
On the downside, if you experience heartburn, you might want to be cautious, as the spearmint in the tea may aggravate symptoms. In addition, pregnant women may need to avoid this tea due to its chamomile content.

Best Tea for Sleep With Passionflower
Buddha Teas Passion Flower Tea
Pros
- Contains passionflower, which may help reduce anxiety to promote sleep
- Organic ingredients
- Partners with Trees for US program
Cons
- Uses strings, tags, and staples, so it is not as eco-friendly as other brands on our list
- Single-ingredient tea may not provide the multilayered benefits of blended sleep teas
- Best for: Passionflower
- Key ingredients: Passionflower
- Caffeine-free: Yes
- Organic: Yes
Buddha Teas Passion Flower Tea landed on our list of the best teas for sleep thanks to its simple yet effective ingredient: passionflower.
We like that the tea is made with organic passionflower. An added environmental perk, the Buddha company partners with the Trees for US program, which plants millions of trees per year through the National Forest System.
If you’re looking for a straightforward, natural way to improve sleep quality, this tea’s simplicity is a big draw. However, as a single-ingredient tea, it may not deliver the multilayered benefits of a blended tea.

Best Tea for Sleep With Skullcap Herb
Buddha Teas Sleepy Temple Blend
Pros
- Contains a unique blend of herbs shown to promote calm and relaxation
- Organic ingredients
- Partners with the Trees for US program
Cons
- Uses strings, tags, and staples, so it is not as eco-friendly as other brands on our list
- May not be suitable for pregnant women due to its chamomile content
- Best for: Skullcap herb
- Key ingredients: Skullcap herb, chamomile, lavender
- Caffeine-free: Yes
- Organic: Yes
Together, skullcap, chamomile, and lavender create a nice blend that gently helps you unwind and prepare for a restful night’s sleep. We love that Buddha Teas uses organic ingredients and partners with the Trees for US program, so every purchase helps support reforestation efforts.
The tea bags do use strings, tags, and staples, so they are not quite as eco-friendly as some of the other options we’ve highlighted. Also, the chamomile in this blend may not be the best choice for pregnant women.
When to Consult Your Doctor?
If you’ve been struggling with sleeplessness or insomnia for more than a few weeks, it might be time to consult with your healthcare professional. Occasional trouble sleeping is normal, but when it becomes a consistent issue, it could signal an underlying condition like anxiety, stress, or even a sleep disorder.
If you’ve tried natural remedies like sleep teas or lifestyle changes and still find it difficult to fall or stay asleep, seeking medical advice may help you identify the root cause and explore other treatments. It’s especially important to check in with your doctor if sleeplessness impacts your daily life or causes you to feel excessively tired during the day.
How We Reviewed the Best Teas for Sleep
In reviewing the best teas for sleep, we wanted to ensure that our recommendations were trustworthy and based on solid evidence. Each product was carefully examined to analyze its ingredients for effectiveness and quality. We looked for herbs and compounds that promote relaxation, improve sleep quality, and support overall wellness. To deepen our understanding, we interviewed three dietitians, gathering their insights on the best teas for sleep and how certain ingredients may help those struggling with restless nights.
With nearly 20 years of experience as a registered dietitian specializing in nutrition and wellness, I have a solid foundation evaluating health products. I've worked with clients to improve their sleep habits through dietary changes, and I understand the science behind the ingredients commonly found in herbal teas. With my mix of hands-on experience and expert insights, I’m able to give you trustworthy recommendations that can truly make a difference in improving your sleep routine.
What to Look For When Buying Tea for Sleep
When you're considering the best teas to help you catch some quality z's, keep in mind a few key factors. Not all teas are the same, especially when it comes to promoting sleep, so you’ll want to look for specific ingredients known for their calming properties and ensure that the product meets your preferences and needs. Here are some important features to consider before making your purchase:
- Key Ingredients Look for calming herbs like chamomile, valerian root, lavender, and skullcap, which help reduce anxiety and promote sleep.
- Organic Certification Opt for organic teas when possible to avoid potentially harmful pesticides and unnecessary chemicals.
- Caffeine-Free "Look at the ingredients label to be sure the tea you are purchasing doesn't contain unexpected caffeine," says Stephanie Dunne, RDN. "It is quite common for mint and green teas to be combined. While the mint will be relaxing, the effect may not be enough to overcome the caffeine in the green tea.”
- Ingredient Quality Check for high-quality, whole-leaf tea, rather than low-quality dust or blends, as it tends to have more flavor and health benefits.
Why Am I Having Trouble Sleeping?
You may be having trouble sleeping due to physical or psychological factors. One common cause is stress or anxiety, which can lead to racing thoughts that may make it hard for you to relax. Lifestyle choices like drinking caffeine or alcohol too close to bedtime, irregular sleep schedules, and excessive screen time before bed can disrupt your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.
Do Sleep Teas Really Work?
However, it's important to note that while sleep teas may support better sleep, they aren't a cure-all. If you’re dealing with chronic insomnia or more severe sleep issues, it's a good idea to talk with your healthcare provider to explore potential underlying causes.
Is It Okay to Drink Sleep Tea Every Night?
Drinking sleep tea every night is perfectly fine for many people, especially if it contains gentle, natural ingredients like chamomile or lavender. These herbs are often used to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality without causing dependency or significant side effects.
Who Should Not Drink Tea to Help Sleep?
If you’re on medications, some herbs may interact with your prescriptions. For example, licorice root has been shown to interact with ACE inhibitors, diuretics, digoxin, and insulin. It’s best to consult with your healthcare professional before drinking sleep tea regularly.
What Ingredients in Tea Could Help You Sleep?
If you're looking for tea to help you sleep, keep an eye out for several important ingredients:
- Valerian root has been shown in studies to promote restful sleep by calming the nervous system.
- Passionflower may support overall sleep quality by increasing levels of GABA.
- Lemon balm leaf may help reduce stress and anxiety, which are common barriers to a good night’s sleep.
- Chamomile is widely known for its calming properties and works by interacting with receptors in your brain, potentially reducing anxiety, promoting relaxation, and improving sleep.
- Ashwagandha may help lower cortisol, the stress hormone, which can improve relaxation and promote more restful sleep.
- Lavender has a relaxing scent that may help calm the mind while improving sleep quality.
- Skullcap may help reduce anxiety and support better sleep.
- Peppermint has relaxing properties that help create an overall calming experience so you can relax and unwind.
FAQs
While sleep teas can be a natural way to relax and improve your sleep, they can come with some mild side effects for some people. For example, valerian root may cause diarrhea for some people, and peppermint might exacerbate heartburn.
Several companies offering teas for sleep suggest that you drink the beverage 30 to 60 minutes before you plan to go to bed. This gives your body enough time to absorb the calming ingredients, making you feel relaxed and ready for sleep. Be sure you give yourself enough time to use the bathroom before settling in for the night.
Why Trust Everyday Health

Emily Hirsch, MS, RD, LDN
Author
Emily Hirsch is a registered dietitian, expert health writer, and speaker with over 18 years of experience in the health and wellness space. She is the founder and owner of South Charlotte Nutrition, a private practice dedicated to various nutrition services including counseling, medical nutrition therapy, and corporate wellness.
Beyond her clinical practice, Emily is a professional writer covering a wide variety of health and wellness topics. She remains dedicated to bringing lackluster research to life by translating main research points into language that resonates with diverse audiences. Emily has been a trusted contributor for renowned companies like Nature Made, Garden of Life, and That Clean Life, among others.
Emily's goal is to continue to consistently deliver sound nutrition guidance to help people improve the quality of their lives.
When not working, Emily can be found outdoors picnicking and hiking while taking in all of the vitamin O (oxygen) she can get with her husband and two children.

Reyna Franco, RDN
Medical Reviewer
Reyna Franco, RDN, is a New York City–based dietitian-nutritionist, certified specialist in sports dietetics, and certified personal trainer. She is a diplomate of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and has a master's degree in nutrition and exercise physiology from Columbia University.
In her private practice, she provides medical nutrition therapy for weight management, sports nutrition, diabetes, cardiac disease, renal disease, gastrointestinal disorders, cancer, food allergies, eating disorders, and childhood nutrition. To serve her diverse patients, she demonstrates cultural sensitivity and knowledge of customary food practices. She applies the tenets of lifestyle medicine to reduce the risk of chronic disease and improve health outcomes for her patients.
Franco is also a corporate wellness consultant who conducts wellness counseling and seminars for organizations of every size. She taught sports nutrition to medical students at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, taught life cycle nutrition and nutrition counseling to undergraduate students at LaGuardia Community College, and precepts nutrition students and interns. She created the sports nutrition rotation for the New York Distance Dietetic Internship program.
She is the chair of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine's Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist Member Interest Group. She is also the treasurer and secretary of the New York State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, having previously served in many other leadership roles for the organization, including as past president, awards committee chair, and grant committee chair, among others. She is active in the local Greater New York Dietetic Association and Long Island Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, too.
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