Honey for Sleep: Can It Really Improve Your Rest?

Published: Dec 12, 2023
Updated: Sep 16, 2024
Honey for Sleep: Can It Really Improve Your Rest?
In this article
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    6 min

    When you think about natural remedies to help you sleep, some of the things that comes to mind would be melatonin or a glass of warm milk. But did you know that you can take honey for sleep too?

    Aside from the numerous health benefits, find out how honey can help you improve your rest as well as other remedies.

    This article explores the potential benefits of honey for sleep and whether it can truly improve your rest.

    Key Takeaways
    Raw honey contains tryptophan, which gets converted into serotonin and melatonin, promoting sleep.
    Eating raw honey before bed provides glycogen storage to fuel the liver and ease stress hormones.
    Milk and raw honey, especially when combined with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, aid sleep.
    Saffron soaked in warm milk and raw honey can help alleviate insomnia.

    The Efficacy of Honey as a Cough Remedy

    If you’re looking for a safe and effective remedy to alleviate coughing, honey has been found to be a viable option for children aged 1-5 years, according to a study published in 2007.

    Honey can also be beneficial for promoting restful sleep. Honey before bed has been shown to improve sleep quality and can be helpful for those struggling with insomnia.

    Raw honey, in particular, contains tryptophan, which gets converted into serotonin and melatonin, hormones that promote sleep. Additionally, honey provides glycogen storage, fueling the liver and easing stress hormones, which can contribute to a better night’s sleep.

    Incorporating honey into your sleep routine, whether through consuming it directly or adding it to beverages like warm milk or herbal teas, may help improve your sleep and overall well-being.

    Using Honey to Improve Sleep Quality

    To improve your sleep quality, consider incorporating honey into your bedtime routine on a regular basis. Honey has been shown to have potential benefits for promoting restful sleep.

    Before you go to bed, try consuming a teaspoon of honey to improve your sleep quality. Honey contains tryptophan, which gets converted into serotonin and melatonin in the body, promoting sleep. It also provides glycogen storage to fuel the liver and ease stress hormones, which can aid in falling asleep.

    You can consume honey on its own or mix it with warm milk or herbal teas like chamomile or ginger for a soothing effect before bedtime.

    Give it a try and see if honey can help you achieve a more restful sleep. To ensure you get better sleep every night, download ShutEye®. 

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    Other Natural Remedies for Insomnia

    Try incorporating other natural remedies for insomnia into your bedtime routine to improve your sleep quality. In addition to honey, there are several other options that can help promote better sleep. Consider trying the following natural remedies:

    RemedyBenefitsHow to Use
    BananasContains melatonin and tryptophan for inducing sleepEat a banana before bed
    Lemon balmActs as a numbing agent and aids in relaxation and sleepSteep lemon balm in boiling water and drink before bed
    Lettuce teaContains lactucarium, a sleep-inducing propertyDrink lettuce tea with raw honey before bed
    Essential oilsLavender, jasmine, and rosemary can promote better sleepUse a diffuser or apply topically before bed
    Relaxation techniquesBreathing exercises, meditation, and yoga can help relax the body and mind before bedtimePractice these techniques before bed

    These natural remedies can help improve sleep quality, reduce nocturnal cough, and promote restorative sleep. It’s important to remember that individual results may vary, and it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional if you have persistent sleep issues.

    honey in a jar
honey for sleep

    Seeking Professional Advice for Insomnia

    If you’re struggling with insomnia, it’s important to seek professional advice.

    Insomnia can greatly affect your quality of life and overall well-being, and getting the right guidance can help you find effective solutions. While honey may help improve rest for some individuals, it isn’t a cure-all for insomnia.

    Seeking professional advice will allow you to address the underlying causes of your sleep troubles and explore a range of treatment options tailored to your specific needs.

    A healthcare professional can conduct a thorough evaluation, recommend lifestyle changes, and discuss potential therapies or medications that may aid in improving your sleep.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, honey shows promise as a natural remedy for improving sleep. Its ability to stabilize blood sugar levels, provide energy for the brain, and contain tryptophan, a precursor to melatonin, suggests potential benefits for promoting restful slumber.

    Additionally, honey’s antioxidant properties and potential to suppress coughing further contribute to its potential as a sleep aid. If you don’t want to consume any products, you may also consider trying ShutEye® to help you track your sleep. ShutEye® also offers sleep aids such as sleep sounds, sleep stories and guided meditations.

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    FAQ

    Honey contains a natural sugar called glycogen, which can help you get a good night's sleep by fueling the liver throughout the night.

    Yes, taking a teaspoon of honey before going to bed can help you sleep better, as it can contribute to maintaining adequate glycogen stores in the liver.

    The recommended amount is a teaspoon of raw honey, which can be mixed with warm milk or taken on its own a few minutes before going to bed.

    Yes, studies have shown that honey can help reduce cough frequency and severity, making it a natural and effective remedy for nocturnal cough and sleep quality.

    Yes, there is scientific evidence from placebo-controlled studies indicating that honey can help improve sleep patterns and reduce the frequency of coughing throughout the night.

    Honey not only soothes the throat, but it also helps to relax the body, promoting deep sleep and minimizing disrupted sleep patterns.

    Yes, consuming honey before bed can contribute to better overall sleep quality, as it aids in promoting deep and uninterrupted sleep.

    Yes, taking a teaspoon of honey with a cup of warm milk before bed can be beneficial for improving sleep quality and relaxation.

    Yes, honey consumption before bed helps in maintaining stable insulin levels, which can contribute to a more restful night's sleep.

    Yes, honey can be an effective and natural alternative to over-the-counter cough and cold remedies, providing relief from cough severity and frequency.
    About authors
    Jessica Brown, a 29-year-old freelance copywriter passionate about human nature and deeply committed to promoting sleep and mental health awareness. Jessica holds a Master of Arts in Literary Studies from the National University of Singapore and a Bachelor's in Biology from the University of Cambridge.

    Goldman R. D. (2014). Honey for treatment of cough in children. Canadian family physician Medecin de famille canadien, 60(12), 1107–1110.

    Kim, T. K., Atigadda, V. R., Brzeminski, P., Fabisiak, A., Tang, E. K. Y., Tuckey, R. C., Reiter, R. J., & Slominski, A. T. (2021). Detection of Serotonin, Melatonin, and Their Metabolites in Honey. ACS food science & technology, 1(7), 1228–1235. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsfoodscitech.1c00119

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