You can drink black tea in the evening. That said, its relatively high caffeine content may cause sleep disturbances in more sensitive individuals. In that case, green tea or a rooibos infusion make a gentler alternative.

Black tea and sleep

A good cup of hot tea has a naturally relaxing effect. Its vasodilatory properties help the body unwind, and a warm drink in the evening can become a soothing part of a bedtime ritual.

However, black tea contains a relatively high level of caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant, and while black tea is less intense than coffee, it can still disturb sleep in those who are sensitive to it. If that sounds familiar, it's best enjoyed earlier in the day, and ideally limited to eight cups maximum.

Decaffeinated black tea

Black tea can also be partially decaffeinated through a pre-infusion. This process reduces much of the caffeine content, though it also strips away some of the tannins. For evenings, green tea or white tea are naturally lower in caffeine. Rooibos is another excellent option: a naturally caffeine-free infusion, rich in antioxidants. This "red tea" carries its own range of health benefits, making it a lovely choice at any hour.