Will Matcha Keep You Awake?

Matcha, a vibrant green powdered tea, has gained popularity for its unique taste and health benefits. But does matcha keep you awake?

Yes, matcha contains caffeine, though its wakefulness effects are unique. Unlike coffee and other caffeinated drinks, matcha provides a moderate caffeine boost that may enhance alertness without the jitters or crash typical of coffee.

In this article, we’ll explore matcha’s caffeine effects on energy levels, wakefulness, and whether it’s best for a morning pick-me-up or an evening drink. Here’s what we know about matcha and its impact on wakefulness.

Caffeine, a natural stimulant in tea, coffee, and energy drinks, is also present in matcha, as it's derived from green tea leaves. 

Matcha’s caffeine content can range from 38 to 176 mg per cup, depending on tea quality and brewing method. On the low end, matcha provides a mild boost, while higher levels can deliver a lasting energy lift, potentially impacting sleep.

While matcha contains caffeine, its effects vary by individual; some experience heightened wakefulness and alertness, while others are less sensitive. Matcha’s caffeine impact is moderated by L-theanine, which may reduce side effects like jitteriness and support a smoother, more sustained energy boost than coffee.

One of the unique components of matcha is L-theanine, an amino acid that is found in tea leaves. L-theanine is known for its potential to promote relaxation and reduce stress. When consumed alongside caffeine, L-theanine can modulate the effects of caffeine and provide a more balanced state of alertness.

The combination of caffeine and L-theanine in matcha is believed to offer a smoother and more sustained energy boost compared to other caffeine sources. L-theanine may help mitigate the jitters and potential crashes associated with caffeine consumption, providing a focused and calm state of wakefulness. 

Let’s take a look at the research:

Many people report feeling more calm and clear headed after drinking matcha and green tea, and it’s not a placebo effect. Research has found an interesting, symbiotic link between L-theanine and caffeine. 

For instance, L-theanine may be able to reduce the impact that caffeine has on your blood pressure and anxiety levels, possibly by countering the vasoconstricting effects of caffeine. In other words, L-theanine helps to keep blood vessels dilated to prevent caffeine-induced blood pressure spikes. 

L-theanine may also have a positive effect on your sleep schedule, despite coffee’s tendency to keep you awake. In fact, L-theanine supplementation may protect low-wave sleep cycles, a crucial portion of your sleep that’s associated with feeling more rested. 

Plus, the combination of caffeine and L-theanine offers potentially increased cognitive benefits. According to various studies, the combination has been linked to improved reaction times, improved attention, and increased ability to switch between difficult tasks more easily. Subjects were also found to complete difficult tasks with more accuracy after taking the symbiotic combination. 

These benefits are the reason that both caffeine and L-theanine make the list of the best nootropics for focus, and L-theanine is easily one of the best for combating stress. 

Apart from caffeine and L-theanine, matcha is also rich in antioxidants known as catechins. These antioxidants have been associated with various health benefits, including improved brain function, enhanced metabolism, and reduced risk of chronic diseases.

The specific catechin found in matcha, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), has received particular attention for its potential neuroprotective effects. EGCG may support cognitive function and may contribute to the feeling of wakefulness and mental clarity that matcha can provide.

However, antioxidants are also important for managing inflammation levels. High inflammation can be a cause of stress, trouble sleeping, and restlessness.

Yes, matcha promotes wakefulness due to its caffeine content, but the effect is typically smoother and more balanced thanks to L-theanine. 

Many people find that a morning cup of matcha provides an ideal pick-me-up, and a cup in the early afternoon can help combat the midday slump. However, consuming excessive amounts or drinking matcha too close to bedtime may disrupt sleep. Moderation is key to enjoying matcha's benefits without sleep interference.

If you want to really kick your matcha’s superpowers up a notch, we recommend our Super Matcha formula. Our instant matcha blend includes an invigorating mix of nootropics + medicinal mushrooms designed to optimize cognitive and physical health. Lucid Super Matcha is all the energy and clarity you need, without the crash you get from regular energy drinks.

Our Lucid formulas include:

• Lion’s Mane (Cognition)
• Cordyceps (Endurance)
• Maitake (Immunity)
• Tremella (Anti-Aging)
• Alpha-GPC (Memory)
• Ginkgo (Cognition)
• BCAAs (Muscular Energy)
• L-Tyrosine (Mood)
• L-Theanine (Stress)

Check out one of our three flavor options: