Hops for a relaxing sleep

Hops are not only a key 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 properties, extracts from 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 cultivated hop cones are used to make beer. The remaining harvest is used to produce medicines and dietary supplements designed to naturally support sleep and relaxation.

2. Ingredients and effects

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

These natural ingredients give hops a host of beneficial properties. It has antibacterial and antispasmodic effects, as well as appetite stimulating and digestive benefits. However, the most important effect is the calming and sleep-promoting effect, which is due to the bitter compounds they contain. Some studies show that humulone and lupulone are converted in our bodies 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. Thus, as a natural sedative, hops can help with inner restlessness, stress, and anxiety, promote relaxation, and counteract difficulty falling asleep and sleep disorders.

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

3. Hops for better sleep

Relaxing body and mind before bedtime is an important prerequisite for 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 therefore have a direct effect on the sleep-wake rhythm and can help you fall asleep.

Hops combined with valerian extract has proven particularly effective in promoting good sleep. It's scientifically proven that these two plants complement each other and can positively influence sleep.

4. Use of hops

Hops or hop extract are available in various forms, for example as tea, drops, tablets or capsules for internal use or as an ingredient in 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 further promote relaxation and sleep.

If you want to use a hops supplement to aid your sleep, keep in mind that, unlike chemical sleep aids or sedatives, the effect often takes some time to take effect. Hops, however, works naturally and has no known side effects.

5. Hops, Beer & Sleep

Many people believe that a beer after work helps them relax and, as a nightcap before bed, helps them fall asleep. However, the calming effect of beer is more likely due to the alcohol it contains than to the hops. alcohol However, it only has an initial relaxing effect and can significantly disrupt our sleep later in the night. For this reason, you should avoid a goodnight beer and instead take advantage of 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 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.