Let’s talk about one of life’s simplest little luxuries: a warm mug of peppermint tea before bed. No fuss. No caffeine. Just a minty-fresh moment of calm to help you press pause on the day.
If you’re someone who lies in bed with your brain playing back every awkward moment you’ve ever had (relatable), or your belly feels a bit bloated from dinner round two (also relatable), peppermint tea might just be your new best friend.
Here’s why it works — and how to make the most of it.
why peppermint tea is great before bed
Let’s start by explaining why peppermint tea is a great choice of beverage before bed. Scroll on for the top reasons!
1. it’s caffeine-free (hooray!)
Unlike your builder’s brew or that sneaky 4 p.m. latte, peppermint tea is totally caffeine-free. That means you can sip away at 9 p.m. without worrying it’ll keep you up counting sheep ‘til 2.
2. it soothes your stomach
Feeling full, gassy, or just a bit meh after dinner? Peppermint has natural antispasmodic properties, which is a fancy way of saying it relaxes the muscles in your digestive tract (1). Translation: less bloating, less cramping, and a comfier night’s sleep.
3. it calms the mind
That minty scent you love? It’s not just refreshing – it actually helps to lower feelings of tension and anxiety. Some studies even suggest that the aroma of peppermint may reduce fatigue and improve focus, helping your mind to ease into sleep-mode a little more smoothly (2).
4. it’s hydrating
Going to bed dehydrated can lead to dry mouth, headaches, and restless sleep. A warm cuppa before bed keeps you topped up – just don’t guzzle it right before lights out, or you’ll be making a midnight trip to the loo.
how to make the perfect peppermint tea
You don’t need a PhD in herbalism to brew a decent cup. Just follow the directions outlined below.
You’ll need:
- 1 peppermint tea bag or 1 tbsp dried peppermint leaves
- 250ml freshly boiled water
- A cosy mug and 5 minutes of peace
How to make it:
Pop your tea bag or leaves in a mug. Pour over the hot water. Let it steep for 5–7 minutes (longer = stronger). Take a deep breath. Sip slowly. That’s it.
Optional extras:
- Add a slice of fresh ginger if your tummy needs extra TLC
- Drizzle in a little honey for natural sweetness
- Throw in a few fresh mint leaves if you’re feeling fancy
when to drink peppermint tea for best results
We recommend sipping your peppermint tea about 30 to 60 minutes before bed. That gives your body time to wind down, digest dinner, and avoid any midnight bathroom interruptions.
who should skip it?
As dreamy as peppermint tea can be, it’s not for everyone. If you suffer from acid reflux or GERD, peppermint can sometimes make symptoms worse by relaxing the muscle between your stomach and oesophagus. Not ideal when you're trying to catch some Zzzs.
Always check with a doctor if you’re unsure — your sleep (and tummy) deserve proper care.
final thoughts: keep it simple, keep it soothing
In a world of complicated wellness trends and 17-step sleep routines, peppermint tea is refreshingly simple. It’s inexpensive, easy to make, and surprisingly effective. Sometimes, the smallest rituals bring the biggest comfort.
So next time you're ready to wind down, skip the scrolling, grab your fluffiest socks, and pour yourself a cup of calm. Until next time, eve Sleep.
