6 Calming Bedtime Drinks (and the Truth About “Belly Fat” Drinks)
Many articles promise bedtime drinks that remove belly fat while you sleep. No drink can do that. What an evening drink can do is help you wind down – and swapping a late-night snack, alcohol or a sugary drink for something lighter is a sensible habit. Here are six calm, caffeine-free bedtime drinks and how to make them.
1. Chamomile Tea
Steep a chamomile tea bag (or 1–2 teaspoons of dried flowers) in a cup of hot water for 5 minutes. Chamomile is a traditional calming tea; research on its effect on sleep is limited, but it is a gentle, caffeine-free choice. Avoid it if you are allergic to ragweed, daisies or related plants.
2. Warm Ginger Tea
Simmer 3–4 thin slices of fresh ginger in a cup of water for 5–10 minutes and add a little honey. Ginger tea is warming and some people find it settling after a heavy meal.
3. Warm Milk with Cinnamon
Heat a cup of milk (or a fortified plant milk) with a pinch of cinnamon. A warm drink can be part of a relaxing routine. Choose low-fat or unsweetened options if you are watching calories.
4. Warm Lemon Water with Honey
Mix the juice of half a lemon and a teaspoon of honey into a cup of warm water. Simple and soothing, especially if you have a dry throat.
5. Warm Apple Cider Vinegar, Lemon, Honey and Cinnamon Drink
- 1 cup of hot water
- 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of raw honey
- ½–1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
Stir well and sip slowly. This drink is popular online as a “fat burner before bed”. It isn’t: there is no good evidence that it burns fat or causes weight loss. Because it is acidic, avoid it if you have acid reflux (lying down soon after can make reflux worse), dilute it well and rinse your mouth with water afterwards to protect your teeth.
6. Cucumber Water
Add a few slices of cucumber and a sprig of mint to a glass of water. A light, refreshing option if you prefer something cold.
Tips for drinks before bed
- Avoid caffeine in the late afternoon and evening – including green tea, black tea, coffee and cola.
- Alcohol may make you sleepy at first but tends to disturb sleep later in the night.
- Drink a smaller amount in the last hour before bed if you often wake up to urinate.
- A regular sleep schedule and a calm routine matter more than any single drink.
Can bedtime drinks reduce belly fat?
No. Fat loss depends on your overall diet, activity, sleep and other factors over time. Replacing late-night snacks, alcohol or sugary drinks with one of the drinks above can reduce the calories you take in, which can help as part of a wider plan.
This article is general information, not medical advice. If you have a health condition, take regular medicines, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor or pharmacist before adding new drinks or supplements to your routine.
