QuickCheck : Can matcha green tea help you fall asleep?

Matcha green tea has fast become a popular drink here in Malaysia, both hot and cold. Aside from being particularly tasty, does it help improve your quality of sleep?

MATCHA, the vibrant green tea powder celebrated in Japan, has become a must-try for many travelers thanks to its rich history and unique, tasty flavour.

Recently, it has exploded in popularity, appearing in everything from your favorite local café to the latest influencer posts around the world.

But what’s all the buzz about? Recent research suggests that drinking matcha might do more than just energise your day; it could also help improve your sleep quality.

So, is matcha just a trendy drink, or could it actually be the secret to ending those restless nights and tossing and turning?

Verdict:

TRUE

Matcha, a finely ground powder made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, is well-known for its bright green color and its many benefits, including sleep improvement.

Originally from China and introduced to Japan, Zen monks used matcha for its calming effects, helping them maintain focus during lengthy meditation sessions.

Unlike regular tea, which is steeped, matcha is mixed with water or milk, resulting in a higher concentration of nutrients and beneficial compounds.

This superfood has a high level of L-theanine, an amino acid known to promote both calmness and alertness.

This unique combination allows matcha to create a state of wakeful relaxation, effectively reducing stress and anxiety.

Research shows that L-theanine lowers cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress, making matcha an excellent choice for improving sleep quality.

Regular consumption of L-theanine also has been linked to significant increases in sleep satisfaction, particularly for individuals dealing with anxiety and depression.

Additionally, it helps counteract the stimulating effects of caffeine, allowing matcha drinkers to stay alert without the jitters.

It also promotes the production of relaxing neurotransmitters, boosts alpha brain waves associated with calm focus, and lowers blood pressure and resting heart rate.

So, if you’re looking for a tasty way to boost your well-being and get better sleep, consider adding matcha to your diet!

References:

1. https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/sleep-newzzz/201907/should-you-drink-coffee-or-matcha-better-sleep

2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/matcha-green-tea-may-improve-sleep-social-functioning-in-older-adults

3. https://sleepdoctor.com/nutrition/does-matcha-help-you-sleep/#:~:text=Matcha%20provides%20energy%20and%20focus,for%20sleep%20and%20cognitive%20performance.

4. https://ujimatchatea.com/blogs/news/matcha-in-japanese-culture?srsltid=AfmBOop8H2HXNAsGpPW3olPw3BSfNlTyLzMU769F5t9nb5ky50YIICbG