The Best Bedtime Drinks to Improve Your Sleep
We’re a nation of troubled sleepers, so if you think your sleep routine is due an MOT, you’re not alone. But did you know that finding the right relaxing drink before bed can be a real game changer? If you’ve ever fancied trying herbal teas but you’re confused about which ones to buy, look no further!
Incorporating bedtime drinks into your sleep routine can not only help you fall asleep quickly, but can also help you sleep better too, which is essential for feeling refreshed.
In this article, we’ll share some of the best bedtime drinks for improved sleep, which ones you should definitely avoid, and how you can get the Premier Inn bed experience at home to sleep well every night. So get cosy and keep reading!
Why Is It Important to Get the Right Amount and Type of Sleep?
Before you put the kettle on, let’s first explore why quality sleep is important. Getting enough rest is essential for both your mental and physical wellbeing. A lack of it can lead to depression, concentration issues, and negative thinking, as well as longer recovery times from injuries and headaches. A lack of quality sleep is bad news all round.
We think you deserve a great night’s sleep every night, not just when you’re staying with us. By introducing some healthy sleep routines, you’re giving yourself the best chance of getting quality rest every time your head hits that Premier Inn pillow.
What Bedtime Drinks Can Lead to Better Quality Sleep?
So – what drinks can you introduce into an evening routine to improve your sleep? Whether you’re looking for a way to sleep well when away from home or you need to improve your regular slumber, choosing the right drink can make a huge difference. Everything from the temperature and ingredients of a beverage to the time of you sit down to drink it can all impact how well you sleep.
If you’re a fan of a hot drink in the evenings, you’ll be pleased to know that they’re actually a fantastic sleep aid. The comfort you get when sipping a warm beverage can boost relaxation and bring on sleepiness, helping to naturally aid a healthy sleep cycle. Our top recommendations for warm bedtime drinks are:
- Herbal Teas – Many herbal teas unlock natural sleep hormones and offer a way to relax and unwind after a busy day. While fruity teas are brilliant during the daytime and can keep the body and mind active, certain herbal blends are better for nighttime drinking. Some of our top choices include chamomile, peppermint, lemon balm, valerian, lavender and ashwagandha tea. These can all be found in local supermarkets and offer benefits such as anxiety relief, skin vitality and improvements to gut health, as well as being a great sleep aid.
- Warm Milk – A small mug of warm milk is also a great sleep aid and offers most of the soothing benefits outlined above. It’s also a great alternative if you don’t like tea! Plus, milk includes tryptophan, a natural amino acid that supports sleep. You can also choose different kinds of milk depending on your preferences, such as dairy or nut-options. Trust us; you’ll be sleeping like a baby!
- Malted Drinks—These offer the same soothing effects as other warm drinks but include more natural minerals – ideal for helping improve sleep. The main one is magnesium, which is so essential for sleep it’s often recommended as a supplement to take for insomnia. By combining this with a warm drink, you’ll be getting double the benefits.
If hot drinks aren’t for you, several cold drinks can aid sleep too. We recommended:
- Cherry Juice – Cherries contain high levels of melatonin and antioxidants, which are essential for sleep.
- Water – Keeping hydrated with water is also important for sleep – many studies show direct links between dehydration and poor rest. If you don’t like water alone, try adding your favourite sugar-free squash!
- Banana smoothies – This sounds strange, but hear us out. A banana smoothie will give you all the benefits of drinking milk alongside minerals such as magnesium and potassium!
What Drinks Can Be Detrimental to a Good Night’s Sleep?
Not all warm and cold drinks can help you fall asleep. In fact, some can have the opposite effect.
The main drinks to avoid are anything with high levels of caffeine – think coffee, regular tea, energy drinks, alcohol and sugary beverages. Caffeine will keep the mind in overdrive and impact the quality of your sleep. Your body needs the right hormone levels to navigate through all four stages of rest. Without this, you’ll wake up feeling restless and frustrated.
How Else Can Sleep Be Improved?
As well as a relaxing bedtime drink, here are a few other steps you can take to improve your sleep.
Healthy Routines
By setting yourself some sleep-friendly routines, you’ll be more likely to rest deeper. This includes cutting down on screentime before bed, going to bed at the same time every evening and not eating too late in the day.
Comfortable Bedding
Choosing the right bedding products is key. This starts with a robust and comfy bed to help you relax. The bedding that we use at Premier Inn has been designed to improve sleep, with features such as improved comfort and breathability. Plus, make sure you consider choosing duvets ideal for summer and enhancing comfort with a mattress protector.
Stop Napping
We know a daytime snooze can be tempting, but try to avoid them if you can. Napping for the wrong amount of time can trick your body into thinking it’s nighttime, and you’ll fall into the wrong sleep cycle.
Sleep Environment
Following our expert sleep tips to optimise your sleep environment can help create the perfect space for improved sleep. This includes getting the lighting right, choosing the best bedding and eliminating distractions.
Choose Premier Inn at Home products
Now that you know which drinks will help you sleep, it’s time to recreate the Premier Inn bedding experience at home with our luxurious products.
From protectors that keep mattresses fresh to the same cosy duvets that we use in our hotels, you can bring hotel-quality home with you and start sleeping better. Visit our collection to choose your perfect bedding!
