One of the most frequently asked questions among tea enthusiasts is: “Does drinking tea affect sleep?” The component responsible for sleeplessness is caffeine, also known as caffeine alkaloid, which is different from theobromine (commonly referred to as “tea alkaloid”).

According to the Taiwan Council of Agriculture, the main alkaloid in tea is caffeine, which accounts for approximately 2–4% of the leaf content, while theobromine makes up only about 0.002%. Although there are claims about extracting theobromine to reduce its effects, such methods have minimal impact on sleep, since the caffeine content remains unchanged.

Everyone’s body responds to caffeine differently, based on individual metabolism and sensitivity. If you’re concerned about caffeine affecting your sleep, it’s advisable to drink tea in the morning and avoid it in the evening or before bedtime. You can also reduce the brewing temperature (below 80°C) to lower caffeine extraction, as caffeine dissolves more readily in hotter water. Over time, you may develop greater tolerance to caffeine and enjoy more varieties of Taiwan’s high-quality teas.