It is often heard that Drinking Tea before bed can cause insomnia due to the presence of polyphenols in tea. However, Pu'er tea has a special characteristic. Made from Yunnan's unique large-leaf Green Tea, Pu'er tea contains high levels of polyphenols, which have notable effects for invigoration and inflammation reduction, as well as significant anti-tumor benefits. Pu'er tea is divided into raw and ripe varieties, leading to differences in nature. The elements they contain vary, thus affecting sleep differently.

How to Drink Pu'er Tea Without Insomnia?

1. Drink Less or Diluted Tea

Caffeine requires a certain quantity to exert its effects. Drinking smaller amounts of Pu'er tea or brewing it more dilutely reduces the extraction and absorption of caffeine during the brewing process, thereby weakening the impact on sleep.

2. Pre-infuse the Tea Before Drinking

The first one or two infusions of Pu'er tea are typically quite concentrated and contain higher levels of caffeine, as well as dust and other impurities generated during tea production. Therefore, pre-infusing Pu'er tea and starting to drink from the third infusion can help avoid insomnia.

3. Select Aged Tea

Choose aged Pu'er or ripe Pu'er tea. Although Pu'er tea contains high levels of caffeine, it also contains GABA, an important inhibitory neurotransmitter that primarily participates in brain physiological activities and has calming and sleep-inducing effects. After anaerobic fermentation, especially in Pu'er tea aged for over 20 years and ripe tea aged for at least three years, GABA content increases continuously, competing with caffeine receptors and offsetting the part of caffeine's effect that influences sleep.

In addition, regular consumption of Pu'er tea can increase tolerance to caffeine. Different people have varying tolerances to caffeine. Regular tea drinkers develop stronger physical resilience. It's also important not to be psychologically influenced by the notion that “tea affects sleep.”

What to Do if You Experience Insomnia After Drinking Pu'er Tea?

If you experience insomnia after drinking Pu'er tea, consider using a tranquilizing and brain-nourishing liquid for relief. Insomnia refers to difficulty falling asleep; severe cases involve being unable to sleep through the night. Avoid stimulating beverages before bedtime and maintain calmness. Foods like jujube seeds, lilies, and lotus seed porridge can be consumed for their calming and sleep-promoting effects. After drinking Pu'er tea, listening to relaxing music, soaking your feet in hot water, and performing acupoint massage on your head can help alleviate insomnia. Soaking your feet in hot water accelerates metabolism within the body, improving sleep quality. Acupoint massages at the temples and the “Tongtian” point can also relieve nervous tension in the brain, enhancing sleep quality. Drinking tea may excite the nerves and affect normal sleep. It is best not to consume large quantities of tea or Coffee before bedtime.