Is there a sleepy Time coffee? The truth about coffee and restful sleep

October 17, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Sleep Foundation, nearly 88% of people who regularly consume caffeine in the afternoon report having at least one sleep problem. While traditional coffee and sleep are at odds, the consumer market has responded to the question: Is there a sleepy Time coffee? by introducing specialized decaf products designed for a relaxing wind-down routine.

Quick Summary

Several brands offer coffee-like blends for evening consumption by infusing decaf coffee with calming herbs like valerian root or melatonin. Standard decaf coffee contains residual caffeine, potentially impacting sensitive individuals. Herbal alternatives like chamomile tea or mushroom-based elixirs offer caffeine-free options to promote relaxation before bed. Achieving restful sleep also depends on overall sleep hygiene practices.

Key Points

Special Blends Exist: Some brands, like Counting Sheep Coffee, sell specialized decaf coffee infused with calming herbs such as valerian root to promote sleep.
Caffeine Disrupts Sleep: Caffeinated coffee blocks adenosine receptors, increasing alertness and potentially delaying sleep onset and reducing deep sleep, even hours after consumption.
Decaf Has Trace Caffeine: Decaffeinated coffee is not 100% caffeine-free and may still disrupt sleep for very sensitive individuals. The Swiss Water Process is a chemical-free method for removing caffeine.
Consider Herbal Alternatives: Caffeine-free herbal beverages containing ingredients like chamomile, valerian root, L-theanine, or dandelion root can serve as effective and natural bedtime drinks.
Improve Sleep Hygiene: In addition to beverage choices, consistent sleep patterns, a cool and dark bedroom, and avoiding screens before bed are crucial for restful sleep.
Individual Sensitivity Varies: The impact of residual caffeine or herbal remedies depends on individual tolerance and metabolism. Pay attention to how your body responds to different beverages.
Beware of Melatonin Blends: Some products add melatonin, a hormone, to their blends. Consult a healthcare provider before using melatonin, as timing and dosage are important.

The Rise of the Sleepy Time Blend

For years, coffee has been strictly a morning beverage, the enemy of a good night's rest. However, a growing demand for a comforting evening ritual has led to the creation of specialty products known as “sleepy time coffee.” These are typically decaffeinated coffee blends infused with herbs and supplements known for their calming properties. A pioneer in this market was Counting Sheep Coffee, launched in 2013, which added valerian root to decaf coffee to help customers unwind. Valerian root has been traditionally used as a mild sedative for centuries. Other similar products may include melatonin, a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle, to aid in restfulness.

The Disruptive Impact of Regular Coffee on Sleep

It is widely understood that caffeinated coffee is not conducive to sleep, but the reason lies in its half-life and how it affects brain chemistry. Caffeine works by blocking adenosine receptors in the brain. Adenosine is a compound that builds up throughout the day and promotes sleepiness; by blocking it, caffeine makes you feel alert. This wakefulness effect can last for hours. Studies show that a moderate dose of caffeine can significantly disrupt sleep even when consumed six hours before bedtime. The caffeine half-life can range from 2 to 12 hours depending on individual metabolism. This is why timing your caffeine intake is a crucial part of good sleep hygiene.

Decaf is Not Caffeine-Free

For those sensitive to caffeine, standard decaf coffee may not be a sufficient solution for an evening drink. While decaf coffee removes most of the caffeine—at least 97% to meet U.S. standards—it still contains a small, residual amount. For some, this trace amount is enough to disrupt sleep, especially when consumed late in the afternoon or evening. Different decaffeination processes also affect the final product, with the Swiss Water Process being a popular chemical-free method preferred by many specialty brands for retaining flavor and purity.

Comparing Sleepy Time Beverages


Feature	Sleepy Time Coffee (Herbal-Infused Decaf)	Herbal Tea (e.g., Chamomile)	Standard Decaf Coffee	Regular Caffeinated Coffee
Caffeine Content	Very low, trace amounts	None	Very low, trace amounts	High
Added Calming Agents	Yes (e.g., valerian, melatonin)	Yes (e.g., chamomile, passionflower)	No	No
Potential for Disrupted Sleep	Low to negligible, but sensitive individuals should be cautious	Very low to none	Low, but possible in sensitive individuals	High
Primary Function	Provide coffee flavor with relaxing herbs	Promote relaxation without caffeine	Offer coffee flavor with minimal caffeine	Provide a stimulating energy boost

Natural Ingredients for a Calming Bedtime Ritual

Instead of a commercially prepared product, many prefer creating their own 'sleepy time' beverage using naturally calming ingredients. Some of the most popular include:

Chamomile: Known for its mild sedative effects, this ancient herb is one of the most common ingredients in herbal teas for relaxation. A warm cup of chamomile tea is a time-tested way to wind down.
Valerian Root: Often found in sleep-aid supplements, valerian root contains compounds that may increase the neurotransmitter GABA, which promotes relaxation and sleepiness. It has a pungent taste often masked by other ingredients in blended products.
L-theanine: This amino acid is found in green tea and can promote relaxation and better sleep quality. While green tea contains caffeine, the L-theanine can counteract some of the jittery effects. Matcha contains higher levels of L-theanine.
Magnesium: This mineral plays a role in regulating the nervous system and melatonin production, contributing to a state of relaxation.

Crafting Your Own Soothing Coffee Alternative

For those who enjoy a warm beverage as a ritual but want to avoid even trace amounts of caffeine, several homemade options are available:

The Chamomile Decaf Latte: Prepare your favorite decaf coffee. Steep 1-2 chamomile tea bags in the coffee for 5-10 minutes. Remove the bags, add steamed milk and honey to taste, and sprinkle with cinnamon.
Dandelion Root 'Coffee': Made from roasted dandelion root, this beverage has a roasty, rich flavor profile similar to coffee but is completely caffeine-free. It is also noted for supporting digestion and liver health.
Mushroom-Infused Blends: Some products combine decaf coffee with functional mushrooms like Reishi and Chaga, known for their adaptogenic properties that can support stress relief and relaxation.

Conclusion

So, while a true 'sleepy time coffee' containing both caffeine and sleep-inducing effects is a paradox, the answer to the question Is there a sleepy Time coffee? is a definitive 'yes' in the form of specially formulated, decaffeinated herbal blends. For those with caffeine sensitivities or those who prefer natural options, a number of decaf products and caffeine-free alternatives offer a comforting, coffee-like experience. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual health needs and preferences, but it's clear that your nightly ritual can still be centered around a warm, flavorful mug without sacrificing your rest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sleepy time coffee refers to commercially available coffee blends that have been decaffeinated and infused with calming herbs or supplements, such as valerian root or melatonin, to promote relaxation and sleepiness.

For most people, a cup of decaf coffee before bed will not significantly disrupt sleep. However, decaf coffee still contains trace amounts of caffeine, which can affect individuals with high caffeine sensitivity.

Based on studies, you should avoid consuming caffeinated coffee at least 6 to 8 hours before bed. For some, a larger dose of caffeine can disrupt sleep up to 12 hours later due to individual metabolic rates.

Excellent caffeine-free alternatives include herbal teas like chamomile or passionflower, dandelion root 'coffee', and warm milk with a sprinkle of nutmeg. These can help satisfy the nightly ritual without any caffeine.

The Swiss Water Process is a chemical-free method for decaffeinating coffee beans that uses only water. It is a popular choice for those who prefer to avoid chemical solvents and believe it better preserves the coffee's flavor.

Valerian root may enhance the release of GABA, a neurotransmitter that has a calming effect on the nervous system. Chamomile contains compounds like apigenin that have mild sedative effects, helping to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.

It is important to consult a healthcare provider before consuming products that combine coffee and melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone, and while generally considered safe in low doses, its regulation can be less strict than other drugs. Dosage and timing are key factors to consider for safe use.