I tell you not to eat within 2-3 hours of bedtime, but beverages are fine, as long as they don’t have caffeine or too much simple sugar. In fact, de-caffeinated herbal tea is a great idea. Not only will the warm cup be soothing and relaxing, but some teas actually have sleep promoting benefits. My favorites are chamomile and Valerian. A cup of valerian tea with honey before bed is a centuries old practice for a reason. The natural compounds in the tea may help reduce the amount of time it take to fall asleep and the glucose in honey can help turn off orexin, a neurotransmitter linked to alertness. Be careful not to drink too much, or you’ll be waking up all night to run to the bathroom.
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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.