The question we receive most often after “how to brew this tea” is “does drinking tea cause insomnia”. The answer depends on the tea type, brewing method, and even the time you drink it.
Tea brings alertness differently from coffee
A cup of tea typically contains about one-third to one-half the caffeine of a coffee cup of the same volume.
Tea also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that calms the nervous system. Combined with caffeine, it provides a gentle, focused alertness without jitters.
That's why people can work for hours with a pot of tea without feeling their heart race.
Which types have more caffeine
Generally, black tea and young green tea buds have the most — young buds contain more caffeine than older leaves.
Large-leaf white tea and ripe Pu-erh are usually lighter.
Brewing method influences caffeine content more than tea type: hotter water and longer steeping extract more caffeine.
How to drink comfortably
Do not drink strong tea on an empty stomach, as it can upset your stomach.
Caffeine-sensitive individuals should stop drinking tea after 4 PM, or switch to lightly brewed ripe Pu-erh in the evening.
The second and third infusions are always lighter than the first — if you want to reduce caffeine, discard the first infusion.
Tea is not a substitute for medicine. Drinking regularly, in moderation, as a pleasant habit, is sufficient.