Does Artichoke Tea Interfere with Sleep?

Does drinking artichoke tea cause insomnia? No, artichoke tea does not cause insomnia but actually helps improve sleep. Artichoke tea contains negligible amounts of caffeine, even considered caffeine-free. It contains compounds that help reduce stress, anxiety and promote melatonin production - the natural sleep-regulating hormone.

Artichoke tea is a familiar beverage in many Vietnamese households, renowned for its delightful taste and numerous health benefits. However, alongside its advantages, many people wonder if drinking artichoke tea can lead to sleeplessness or insomnia. This article by Chus delves deep into this question, while also providing additional insights into effective and safe artichoke tea consumption.

What is artichoke tea? Does it contain caffeine?

Artichoke tea is a beverage brewed from the flower buds or leaves of the artichoke plant (Cynara scolymus), belonging to the sunflower family. Originating from the Mediterranean region, this plant has been used as an herbal remedy worldwide for a long time.

The characteristic purple-green flower buds of artichoke are often dried or roasted to brew tea. Both green and artichoke teas have a slightly bitter taste, which can be enhanced with a dash of honey or sugar.

Oriental medicine indicates that artichoke tea acts as a tonic for the liver, gallbladder, and digestive system. Thanks to its high levels of antioxidants and cynarin, artichoke tea aids in body detoxification, supports liver function, reduces cholesterol, and improves digestion.

In contrast to other teas like green tea or coffee, artichoke tea contains only negligible amounts of caffeine. In fact, it's often considered caffeine-free due to its minimal content. Hence, it doesn't stimulate the nervous system and doesn't affect sleep quality. Instead, it enhances alertness, reduces stress, and fatigue. When consumed correctly, artichoke tea can induce relaxation and facilitate better sleep.

Artichoke may contain little to none caffeine

How does caffeine affect sleep?

Caffeine, a stimulant, can affect sleep in various ways. It can make it difficult for you to fall asleep, reduce total sleep time, and disrupt sleep quality. Caffeine can also interfere with your body's biological clock, regulating your sleep-wake cycle.

Caffeine can decrease your total sleep time, particularly the deep sleep stage, which is crucial for physical and mental recovery. If you're experiencing sleep difficulties, it's essential to limit caffeine consumption, especially several hours before bedtime.

Caffeine makes you stay up

Does Drinking Artichoke Tea Cause Insomnia?

Many people mistakenly believe that drinking artichoke tea causes insomnia, but the reality is quite the opposite. When used correctly and in moderation, artichoke tea not only doesn't cause insomnia but also provides numerous benefits for sleep and overall health.

Artichoke tea contains compounds that help reduce stress and anxiety, two primary factors contributing to insomnia. Some scientific studies suggest that artichoke tea may promote better sleep by increasing melatonin production, the body's natural sleep-regulating hormone.

Artichoke does not cause sleeplessness if used in moderation

Potential Instances of Insomnia due to Drinking Artichoke Tea

Artichoke tea can aid in easing your way into sleep. However, excessive or improper consumption may unexpectedly lead to insomnia.

1. Although artichoke tea has low caffeine content, overconsumption can still stimulate the nervous system, resulting in difficulty falling asleep or poor sleep quality. Other compounds in tea might also cause discomfort in the body.
2. Replacing water entirely with artichoke tea can lead to dehydration, causing headaches, fatigue, and affecting sleep quality.
3. Drinking artichoke tea in the evening may stimulate digestion, causing bloating, indigestion, and affecting sleep. Moreover, it can strain the normal functions of the liver and kidneys.

Some cases where artichoke tea might cause insomnia

Both red and green artichoke tea can help your body fall asleep more easily. However, using artichoke tea excessively or incorrectly can lead to unexpected insomnia.

• Although artichoke tea has low caffeine content, using too much can still stimulate the nervous system, leading to difficulty sleeping or poor sleep quality. This happens because other compounds in the tea may cause discomfort to the body.
• The habit of replacing regular water completely with artichoke tea causes dehydration, leading to headaches, fatigue, and affecting sleep quality.
• Drinking artichoke tea in the evening can stimulate the digestive system, causing bloating and indigestion, which affects sleep. Additionally, it puts pressure on the normal functions of the liver and kidneys.

If you use artichoke tea correctly, sleep will be improved

When should you drink artichoke tea for good sleep?

Best times of day

Morning (7-9 AM): Drinking artichoke tea in the morning helps cleanse the liver after a night's rest, supporting the body's natural detox process.

Afternoon (3-5 PM): This is the ideal time to drink artichoke tea. Your body has finished digesting lunch, so artichoke tea will support digestion without causing discomfort in the evening.

Avoid drinking after 7 PM: Although low in caffeine, artichoke tea can stimulate the digestive system and create a feeling of fullness, affecting sleep.

How to brew artichoke tea for sleep support

• Brew lightly: Use 1-2 dried artichoke flower buds for 200ml of water
• Steep for 3-5 minutes to avoid being too bitter
• You can add 1 teaspoon of honey to increase relaxation effects

Key Considerations When Drinking Artichoke Tea

Artichoke tea has long been recognized as well-being beverage with many health benefits. However, to use artichoke tea effectively and safely, consider the following:

• Choose high-quality artichokes: Purchase fresh, whole artichokes with deep purple color, thick petals, firm, and undamaged. Avoid buying spoiled or moldy artichokes.
• Consume artichoke tea in moderation: 1-2 cups of tea per day, not exceeding 1 liter of water, is optimal. Drinking too much artichoke tea can lead to unintended side effects.
• Typically, if you consume artichoke tea continuously for 10-15 days, take a break for 3-4 days before resuming.
• Avoid drinking artichoke tea in the evening or close to bedtime. Drinking artichoke tea in the evening may stimulate digestion, causing bloating, indigestion, and affecting sleep.

Useful notes to know when drinking artichoke tea

Who should not drink artichoke tea?

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women: Should consult a doctor before use as there isn't enough research on safety.
• People allergic to the sunflower family: Including chrysanthemums, sunflowers, celery... may cause allergic reactions.
• People with bile duct disease: Artichoke tea stimulates bile secretion, which can be dangerous for people with gallstones.
• People with low blood pressure: Artichoke tea has mild blood pressure-lowering effects, so caution is needed for those who already have low blood pressure.

Discover more teas that support good sleep

Besides artichoke tea, CHUS offers many other herbal teas that help you sleep well and relax effectively:

Chamomile tea

Contains apigenin - an antioxidant that helps reduce anxiety and promotes natural sleep.

Lotus leaf tea

Has cooling properties, helps clear heat, detoxify, and brings a relaxed feeling before sleep.

Jasmine tea

The gentle fragrance of jasmine has calming effects and effectively reduces stress.

Combined artichoke tea

Artichoke tea products blended with other herbs like licorice and mint to enhance relaxation effects.

CHUS has many other types of tea to help you relax and sleep well

Instant Ginger Tea Bamboo Gift Box, 420Gr, Concentrated Natural Flavor Essence, Pure Ginger Tea, Easy To Use, Premium Gift For Family, Corporate Gift

239,000 ₫

8%

219,000 ₫

Lemongrass Tea, Detox Tea, Relaxation Tea, Bloating Relief, Safe, Natural Herbal Blend, Healthy Gift

27,540 ₫

Herbal Tea, Trà My Organic, 15Gr, Floral Tea, Caffeine-Free Tea, Natural Ingredients, Healthy Lifestyle, Rose, Chrysanthemum, Jasmine

150,000 ₫

Related articles:

 >> Green Artichokes vs. Red Artichokes: Unveiling the Contrasts!

 >> Artichoke Tea: 7 Health Benefits You Should Not Overlook

Conclusion

These are some insights into the question of whether drinking artichoke tea causes insomnia. Hopefully, this article has provided you with valuable information and the most accurate answer for yourself. However, ensure to purchase artichoke tea from reputable sources to ensure its safety for your health. Chus offers a variety of artichoke teas, from tea bags to condensed extract form for your reference and purchase!

FAQs

• Does drinking artichoke tea cause insomnia?
  No, artichoke tea does not cause insomnia when used properly. Artichoke tea contains negligible amounts of caffeine, even considered caffeine-free. In fact, artichoke tea can support sleep by reducing stress, anxiety and promoting melatonin production. However, drinking too much or in the evening may affect sleep.
• When is the best time to drink artichoke tea?
  The best times to drink artichoke tea are in the morning 30-45 minutes after breakfast and in the afternoon before 4 PM. Avoid drinking artichoke tea after 6 PM and 3-4 hours before bedtime to not affect sleep. Drinking in the morning helps detoxify the body and provides energy for the new day.
• How much artichoke tea per day is appropriate?
  The recommended dosage is 1-2 cups of artichoke tea per day, not exceeding 1 liter. Use continuously for 10-15 days then rest 3-4 days before continuing. Do not completely replace filtered water with artichoke tea as it may cause water imbalance in the body and affect health.
• Who should not drink artichoke tea?
  People who should not drink artichoke tea include: those allergic to the sunflower family, pregnant and breastfeeding women without doctor's consultation, people with acute gallstones, people with severe liver-kidney diseases. People sensitive to herbs should start with small doses to check body reactions.