Nutritionist says a daily cup of tea may improve sleep quality

ANBAR, Iraq — Dr. Tim Bond, a nutrition specialist, said a regular cup of tea — with or without milk — can ease stress and anxiety, two of the leading causes of sleep problems. He noted that black, green and chamomile varieties can each have a positive effect on sleep. Bond pointed out that black tea contains about 40 milligrams of caffeine, lower than many other caffeinated drinks, and said a cup of chamomile tea before bed can visibly improve sleep quality. He also cited chamomile and lavender teas for their calming properties. A report by the Tea Advisory Panel titled "Sleep, stress, anxiety and tea: the good drinks!" backed the findings, stating that black and green teas support sleep. Research cited in the report found that drinking five cups of green tea daily for three weeks increased both sleep duration and quality, that a compound called GABA in black tea extended sleep duration, and that L-theanine shortened the time needed to fall asleep.