Does Honey Really Help You Sleep Better?
Picture this: your grandmother stirring golden honey into warm milk before bed, whispering that it would bring sweet dreams. She wasn't just being poetic. She was passing down ancient wisdom that modern science now validates.
Yes, honey can support better sleep, and not just because it tastes comforting. When consumed before bed, raw honey gently stabilizes blood sugar, calms the mind, and may help your body produce the hormones it needs for deep, restorative rest. It's not magic. It's nature working the way it was always meant to.
How Honey Supports Your Body's Natural Sleep Cycle
Honey is far more than sugar and water. It's a complex blend of natural sugars, amino acids, minerals, and enzymes that work together to support your body's nighttime rhythms.
When you consume a small amount of raw honey before bed, it may:
- Replenish liver glycogen: Your liver needs glycogen to fuel your brain overnight. Without it, stress hormones like cortisol can wake you up prematurely.
- Trigger the release of sleep-supporting hormones: Honey contains tryptophan, which your brain converts into serotonin and then melatonin, the hormone that regulates your sleep-wake cycle.
- Balance blood sugar: Unlike refined sugar, honey provides a slow, steady release of glucose, preventing the midnight blood sugar crashes that jolt you awake.
Research published in scientific journals suggests that honey may influence metabolic processes that are closely tied to sleep quality, though more studies are needed to confirm these effects in humans.
Why Raw, Unfiltered Honey Matters Most
Not all honey is created equal. Heavily processed honey loses much of its natural enzyme content, pollen, and trace minerals, the very compounds that may support restful sleep.
Raw, unfiltered honey, like Two Brothers' Forest Honey (Multifloral) retains:
- Natural enzymes that aid digestion
- Pollen and propolis for immune support
- A full spectrum of antioxidants and phytonutrients
Harvested from deep forest regions by Apis Cerana Indica bees, this honey is single-strained and free from artificial infusions. Every spoonful tastes like wildflowers, earth, and quiet nights under the stars.
How to Use Honey for Sleep: Simple Rituals That Work
1. The Classic: Warm Milk and Honey
This timeless remedy works because:
- Warm milk contains tryptophan
- Honey may enhance tryptophan's journey to the brain
- The ritual itself signals to your body that it's time to wind down
How to make it:
- Warm a cup of organic milk (dairy or plant-based)
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of raw honey
- Sip slowly 30–60 minutes before bed
2. Honey and Chamomile Tea
Chamomile has calming properties, and honey adds a gentle sweetness without the spike.
Why it works:
- Chamomile contains apigenin, a compound that may promote relaxation
- Honey balances the slightly bitter flavor
- Together, they create a soothing bedtime ritual
3. A Spoonful Straight from the Jar
Sometimes, simplicity is best. Take 1 teaspoon of raw honey directly before brushing your teeth and heading to bed.
Pro tip: Let it melt slowly on your tongue. It's grounding, meditative, and may help quiet a restless mind.
What Type of Honey Is Best for Sleep?
|
Honey Type |
Best For |
Why |
|
Raw Forest Honey |
Deep, restorative sleep |
Multifloral blend; rich in natural enzymes and pollen |
|
Manuka Honey |
Immune support + sleep |
High in unique compounds; slightly more expensive |
|
Wildflower Honey |
Everyday use |
Mild, versatile, widely available |
|
Acacia Honey |
Light sleepers |
Low glycemic index; won't spike blood sugar |
Our recommendation? Two Brothers' Forest Honey. It's raw, unfiltered, and harvested with care from bees that roam freely through untouched forests. No artificial flavors. No shortcuts. Just pure, wild sweetness.
Who Should Try Honey for Sleep?
Honey may be especially helpful if you:
- Wake up frequently in the middle of the night
- Feel restless or anxious before bed
- Experience blood sugar fluctuations overnight
- Want a natural alternative to sleep aids
- Are you seeking a gentle, non-habit-forming bedtime ritual
Important: Honey should never be given to infants under 12 months. If you have diabetes or blood sugar concerns, consult a healthcare provider before adding honey to your routine.
5 Reasons Honey Beats Refined Sugar Before Bed
|
Honey |
Refined Sugar |
|
Stabilizes blood sugar overnight |
Causes spikes and crashes |
|
Contains natural enzymes and minerals |
Stripped of all nutrients |
|
May support melatonin production |
No impact on sleep hormones |
|
Satiates without overstimulating |
Often leads to cravings |
|
Supports liver glycogen stores |
Depletes glycogen reserves |
A Gentle Reminder: Sleep Is Sacred
In a world that glorifies hustle, rest is rebellion. And honey: raw, golden, untouched, reminds us that nature knows what it's doing.
You don't need complicated supplements or expensive sleep trackers. Sometimes, all you need is a teaspoon of pure honey, a warm cup, and the permission to let go.
Explore Two Brothers' Forest Honey and rediscover what it feels like to sleep the way your body was designed to: deeply, peacefully, and without effort.
Conclusion
Honey for sleep isn't a trend; it's a return to what our bodies have always known. When you choose raw, unfiltered honey like Two Brothers' Forest Honey, you're not just sweetening your tea. You're honoring a rhythm as old as the forests themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is honey good for sleep every night?
Yes, consuming 1 teaspoon of raw honey before bed may support better sleep without side effects. It's a gentle, natural ritual that can be part of your nightly routine.
2. What is the best type of honey for sleep?
Raw, unfiltered honey, like Forest Honey, is ideal. It retains all natural enzymes, pollen, and minerals that may help regulate blood sugar and support sleep hormones.
3. Should I take honey with warm milk before bed?
Warm milk and honey are a classic sleep remedy. The combination of tryptophan from milk and natural sugars from honey may help your body relax and prepare for rest.
4. Can honey help with insomnia?
While honey is not a cure for insomnia, it may help improve sleep quality by stabilizing blood sugar and supporting melatonin production. It works best as part of a healthy sleep routine.
5. How much honey should I take before bed?
Start with 1 teaspoon of raw honey about 30–60 minutes before sleep. Adjust based on your body's response, but avoid overconsumption as honey is still a natural sugar.



