Doctor urges people to try 'cheap and powerful' drink for 'chronic insomnia'

A popular drink could be the solution to a better nights sleep, and there's solid proof to this claim. According to one doctor, the tea your grandmother probably drank can reduce cortisol - the stress hormone - and increase melatonin - the sleep hormone.

Revealing that "science backs it up", Doctor William Arias aka @doctordeladieta on TikTok explained: "This medicinal drink is neither a myth nor a placebo. Chamomile tea has scientific evidence to back it up."

The doctor, who specialises in issues related to obesity and diabetes, further stated: "A recent study confirmed that it reduces sleep time and improves its quality, even in cases of chronic insomnia. The key is apigenin, a compound that binds to GABA receptors in the brain - the same ones targeted by sleeping pills - but in a natural way, without dependence and without side effects.

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As well as this, "chamomile tea has been proved effective for older adults, postpartum women, and people with stress or anxiety", he notes. Calling it a "safe, cheap, and powerful" drink, he suggests that the "ideal dose is 2g of dried flowers, taken 30 minutes before bed."

If you are going to take this, Doctor Arias notes that it is crucial you try and take it for a period of two weeks and not to give up after one night. He suggests: "An important note: it does not work if used only for one night; you should take it frequently for at least two weeks.

"Now you know that this traditional tea, often underestimated, has real power and is backed by science. Your overnight rest can start with a cup, not with a pill."