Can Green Tea Give You Bad Sleep?

Many people drink green tea or take supplements with green tea extract for its antioxidant and energy-promoting benefits. Many of them are also among the millions of Americans that are not getting enough sleep. Caffeine and polyphenols in green tea act as stimulants, although the extent of their effects vary between individuals. Avoid green tea for a few hours before bed to improve your quality of sleep. Consult a doctor for more information.

Importance of Sleep

The amount of sleep needed for healthy varies, but most adults need between seven and nine hours per night. Your brain uses sleep to consolidate memories and regulate hormones. These hormones, which control metabolism and how your body handles stress, naturally fluctuate between wakefulness and sleep. Poor sleeping habits over time can disrupt these hormones and lead to an increased risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, mood disorders and cancer. Lack of sleep can also cause you to be less alert during the day, raising the risk for accidents.

About Green Tea

Green tea comes from the mature leaves of the Camellia sinesis plant. The leaves are dried but not fermented. Green tea contains a high level of polyphenols that are responsible for its vibrant green color. Green tea polyphenols can act as antioxidants in your body, preventing damage that could result in cancer or other diseases.

Stimulant Activity of Green Tea

Green tea contains caffeine, the most used stimulant in the world. Green tea polyphenols can also weakly inhibit the enzyme monoamine oxidase, or MAO. MAO is responsible for breaking down neurotransmitters in the brain. Inhibition of MAO can lead to increased wakefulness and mood. Even with caffeine removed, green tea can act as a stimulant and should be avoided before sleep.

Safety

Though green tea consumption has been shown safe for centuries, there may be some interactions between green tea and certain medications. Do not take green tea or green tea extracts with MAO inhibitors, phenylpropanolamine, which is an ingredient found in some cold medications, or medications intended to lower blood pressure. Green tea may alter the effectiveness of some psychoactive medications.

Tips for Better Sleep

Aside from avoiding green tea before bed, follow healthy lifestyle habits and create an appropriate sleeping environment to get better sleep. Avoid distracting noises, excessive heat, and light. Use a comfortable bed set and pillow in your bedroom. Exercise regularly and avoid large meals. Try to keep a regular sleeping schedule and allow some time to relax before bedtime.