Drink This to Get The Best Sleep Of Your Life

Struggling to get a good night’s sleep? What if the key to better rest—and a sharper mind—was hiding in an ancient tea loved for centuries? Recent research reveals that this tea, renowned for its calming and health-boosting properties, could be the secret weapon against poor sleep and early cognitive decline. Find out how this soothing brew might transform your nights—and your brain health.

Key Takeaways

• Matcha contains theanine, which promotes relaxation, increases alpha brain waves, and enhances sleep quality.
• Regular consumption of matcha improves social skills, memory, and language comprehension in seniors.
• Antioxidants in matcha may shield the brain from damage linked to cognitive decline and dementia.

Sleep Better, Think Better

The mainstream doesn’t talk enough about the importance of sleep.

Sure, your doctor reminds you to get eight hours a night… but what he doesn’t tell you is how to do that without taking risky drugs. Nor will he mention that sleep deprivation can have negative impacts on every part of your body – especially your brain.

That’s why I’m here.

Because research shows there’s a foolproof way to get the sleep your body needs… and improve your health… especially if you already have cognition and memory issues.

Even better? It all starts with a cup of this delicious ancient tea called matcha.

Matcha Boosts Your Brain

Matcha tea is green tea ground into a fine powder and has been used in Asian ceremonies for decades. More recently, it has been touted for its health benefits.

This rich tea contains theanine, an amino acid that research has shown can lower anxiety, increase focus, and improve blood pressure. Because of its profound impact on health, researchers recently tested matcha’s effects on the sleep and cognitive status of seniors with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a condition that precedes Alzheimer’s.

For the study, some participants took two grams of a matcha tea supplement daily, while others took a placebo for 12 months. All participants underwent cognitive tests at the beginning of the research and every three months until the end. They were also tested for sleep quality, social skills, and memory.

And the results were incredible…

The matcha supplement group saw improvements in sleep quality! This is a huge win for anyone concerned about their memory and health. Poor sleep can increase your risk of developing dementia and memory loss.

But there is more good news…

The matcha group also experienced improvements in social skills, understanding facial expressions, and language comprehension. These skills are critical for anyone who wants to stay sharp and engaged as they age.

The Theanine-Sleep Connection

As I said, theanine is crucial to matcha’s health benefits. Other research has shown that taking theanine supplements can help increase alpha brain waves that cause drowsiness and relaxation.

Theanine can also increase gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in your brain, another amino acid essential for falling asleep and staying asleep. Additionally, some experts report that catechin antioxidants also found in matcha may also protect the brain from the type of damage that leads to cognitive decline.

This means matcha can deliver a one-two punch at the root causes of Alzheimer’s.

Matcha can also help fight inflammation, as can other forms of green and black tea. And it’s just the beginning of tea’s benefits. Studies show both tea and coffee can help people suffering from high blood sugar and diabetes.

Wait, What About The Caffeine?

Yes, matcha tea contains caffeine, but the amount differs from that in other types of tea or coffee. Matcha typically has about 30-70 milligrams of caffeine per serving (1 teaspoon or 2 grams of matcha powder), depending on how it is prepared. In comparison:

• A cup of brewed coffee usually has around 95 milligrams of caffeine.
• A cup of green tea has about 20-50 milligrams of caffeine.

The caffeine in matcha is often described as providing a more calm and sustained energy boost than coffee. This is because matcha’s L-theanine promotes relaxation and helps mitigate the jittery effects of caffeine, resulting in a smoother, more focused energy. On the flip side, caffeine in coffee, tea, and other natural products can increase mental energy in a more dramatic way. It’s why caffeine is considered a nootropic—or a supplement that can help boost brain function.

That being said, if you're sensitive to caffeine, then I would encourage you to enjoy your tea earlier in the day or to try a matcha supplement instead. If you’re like most folks struggling with sleep, extra caffeine isn’t a help. In fact, too much caffeine is one reason for our nation’s insomnia epidemic.

Caffeine Is The Enemy of Good Sleep

Caffeine blocks adenosine, a chemical that promotes sleep, making it harder to fall asleep and reducing the quality of your rest.

If you're struggling with sleeplessness, it’s generally recommended to stop consuming caffeine at least six to eight hours before bedtime. Caffeine has a half-life of five to six hours for most people, meaning half remains in your system after that time. For example, if you drink a cup of coffee with 100 mg of caffeine at 4 PM, about 50 mg could still be in your system by 10 PM.

Sleep experts suggest the following guidelines:

• If you sleep at 10 PM, avoid caffeine after 2-4 PM.
• For an 11 PM bedtime, stop by 3-5 PM.

Everyone is different, of course, and some of us are more sensitive to caffeine than others. If that’s you, you might need to cut out caffeine after you have your morning coffee or tea. There are many longevity benefits, for example, to having a cup of coffee or tea in the morning. If sleeplessness persists, you may benefit from eliminating caffeine entirely.

Instead, try having a caffeine-free evening paired with calming teas like chamomile or decaffeinated matcha.

Where to Get Matcha

Matcha tea supplements are widely available, as is the matcha tea powder—both caffeinated and decaffeinated—for brewed tea.

Summary

Matcha tea, a finely ground green tea, is gaining attention for its profound effects on sleep and cognitive health, particularly in seniors. Rich in theanine and antioxidants, matcha improves sleep quality, enhances social skills, and sharpens cognitive abilities. Studies show that regular matcha consumption may even help prevent memory loss and cognitive decline by promoting relaxation and protecting brain cells. Accessible in tea or supplement form, matcha offers a natural solution for better sleep and brain health.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes matcha tea different from regular green tea?
Matcha is finely ground green tea, offering higher concentrations of theanine and antioxidants than traditional green tea.

How does matcha improve sleep quality?
Matcha’s theanine content promotes relaxation by increasing alpha brain waves and GABA, essential for better sleep.

Can matcha help with memory and cognition?
Yes, studies show that matcha improves social skills, memory, and language comprehension, particularly in seniors with mild cognitive impairment.

How can I consume matcha if I don’t like the taste?
Matcha supplements are a convenient alternative and can be found at most pharmacies.

Is matcha safe for everyone?
While generally safe, consult your doctor before adding matcha or supplements to your routine, especially if you have health conditions.