Hops for a relaxing sleep

Hops are not only a main ingredient in beer, but also a natural remedy for restlessness, stress and sleep disorders. Here we explain exactly how hop extracts promote relaxation and ensure better sleep.

Table of contents

1. hops and hop extracts
2. Ingredients and Effects
3. Hops for better sleep
4. use of hops
5. Hops, Beer & Sleep
6. Conclusion

1. Hops and hop extracts

The hops (Humulus lupulus) belongs to the hemp family and is known as the main ingredient in beer. Due to its natural effects, the extracts of the hop plant have also been used for centuries as a medicinal plant to relieve restlessness and anxiety, nervous tension and sleep disorders. More than 95% of the hop cones grown are used to make beer. The remaining harvest is used to produce medicines and nutritional supplements that are intended to support sleep and relaxation in a natural way.

2. Ingredients and effects

Hops are particularly rich in healthy tannins and bitter substances and contain a high amount of the bitter substances humulone and lupulone. They are also known as "hop bitters", give the plant its typical bitter-tart taste and are considered to be essential for its sleep-inducing and relaxing effects. The green hop cones also contain essential oils, flavonoids (plant substances) and phytoestrogens, the components of which probably also contribute to the calming effect.

These natural ingredients give hops a variety of positive properties. It has antibacterial and antispasmodic effects, but also stimulates the appetite and aids digestion. However, the most important effect is the calming and sleep-promoting effect, which is due to the bitter substances it contains. Some studies show that humulone and lupulone are converted in our body into another active ingredient (methyl-3-buten-2-ol), which has a calming effect on the central nervous system and can also influence sleep-wake regulation. Hops can therefore be a natural sedative for inner restlessness, stress and anxiety, promote relaxation and counteract problems falling asleep and sleep disorders.

A combination with other calming plant substances such as valerian, lemon balm or lavender can enhance the effects of hops and help promote relaxation even more intensively.

3. Hops for better sleep

Relaxing your body and mind before going to bed is an important prerequisite for a restful sleep. Hops can help stress and tensions so that they do not prevent you from falling asleep in the evening. Some studies also suggest that certain components of hops have a similar effect on the brain as sleep hormone melatoninThey have a direct effect on the sleep-wake rhythm and can help you fall asleep.

Hops in combination with valerian extracts have proven to be particularly effective in promoting good sleep. It has been scientifically proven that these two plants complement each other well and can have a positive effect on sleep.

4. Use of hops

hops orHop extract is available in different forms, for example as tea, drops, tablets or capsules for internal use or as a component of ointments and baths for external use. Especially in medicines or dietary supplements Hops are usually combined with other herbal substances that complement each other in their effects against stress and restlessness. This can promote relaxation and sleep even better.

If you want to use a hops preparation to help you sleep, you should not forget that, unlike chemical sleeping pills or sedatives, the effect often takes some time to take effect. Hops, however, work naturally and have no known side effects.

5. Hops, Beer & Sleep

Many people believe that a beer after work helps them relax and that drinking it as a nightcap before going to bed helps them fall asleep. However, the calming effect of beer can be attributed more to the alcohol it contains than to the hops. alcohol However, it only has a relaxing effect initially and can significantly disturb our sleep later in the night. For this reason, you should avoid a goodnight beer and use the positive effects of hops in the form of natural teas or capsules.

6. Conclusion

• Hops are not only the main ingredient in beer, but also a medicinal plant that relieves restlessness, stress, anxiety and tension and promotes sleep and relaxation.

• Hops have a calming effect on the body and mind, are antibacterial, antispasmodic, and stimulate the appetite and digestion.

• The active ingredients of hops influence sleep-wake behavior and can promote falling asleep.