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Ways How to Lower Cortisol Levels for Sleep

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Daniela Gustafsson

Published: August 25, 2025

If you’ve ever struggled to fall asleep or stay asleep, understanding how to lower cortisol levels can make a significant difference. Cortisol, often called the stress hormone, affects your sleep quality and overall well-being.

When your cortisol levels are too high at night, it can keep you awake or disrupt your sleep cycles. In this article, you’ll discover practical ways to manage cortisol naturally, helping you relax your mind and body so you can enjoy deeper, more restorative sleep.

Top Picks

Category

Product

Score

🏆 Best Overall Supplement

Pure Encapsulations Magnesium (Glycinate)

92/100

💰 Best Value Herbal Tea

Traditional Medicinals Organic Nighty Night

88/100

🎯 Best Natural Chamomile Tea

FullChea Chamomile Tea Bags

85/100

💡 Best Mindfulness Booster

BearCake Positive Affirmations Notebook

80/100

How We Selected The Best Products To Help You Lower Cortisol Levels

To help you discover effective ways to lower cortisol levels for better sleep, we focused on products that promote relaxation, reduce stress, and support natural sleep cycles. Key factors included quality ingredients, positive user reviews, ease of use, and overall value.

We looked for supplements rich in magnesium forms like glycinate, known for calming effects, and herbal teas with calming botanicals like chamomile and valerian root. Additionally, we considered tools that encourage mindfulness and positivity, since managing stress mentally also plays a major role in cortisol regulation.

Magnesium Glycinate

Magnesium Glycinate

If you’re wondering how to lower cortisol levels and get better sleep, this Magnesium Glycinate from Pure Encapsulations might just become your new go-to. It’s made to help you relax by supporting your body’s stress response and sleep cycle without any weird side effects.

What I like most is how gentle it is on your stomach compared to other magnesium supplements, so you won’t have to worry about tummy troubles. It’s great to take daily if you want to wind down naturally in the evenings or need some extra support during especially stressful days. Whether you’re looking to ease muscle cramps, boost your mood, or simply get those deeper, more restful nights, this supplement checks a lot of boxes in a straightforward, no-nonsense way.

What People Say

Many users notice faster sleep onset, calmer days, muscle cramp relief, and improved mood, all without the common downsides of other magnesium types like digestive discomfort.

🗣️ Iupilon

I've been using Pure Encapsulations Magnesium Glycinate for a few weeks now, and I’m impressed. I fall asleep faster and wake up refreshed. It calms me during stressful moments and hasn’t upset my stomach like other supplements. Also, my muscle cramps have disappeared, and I feel clearer-headed during the day.

🗣️ SayFormaggio

After a few weeks of taking this, my sleep improved a lot and I feel less stressed during the day. It doesn’t cause any digestive issues and really helps with muscle relaxation. The capsules swallow easily and there’s no aftertaste, which is a nice bonus.

Health Benefits

Benefit

Description

Stress Reduction

Magnesium glycinate helps calm your nervous system, which may lower cortisol levels that can interfere with sleep.

Improved Sleep

By supporting your sleep cycle, this supplement helps you fall asleep faster and wake up feeling refreshed.

Muscle Support

Eases muscle cramps and tension, which can be especially helpful if stress leaves you feeling tight or restless at night.

Gentle Digestion

Less likely to cause digestive upset or loose stools compared to other magnesium forms.

Heart & Nerve Health

Supports healthy heart function and nerve signaling for overall wellness.

Versatility

You can easily fit this supplement into your daily routine to help manage everyday stress or take extra capsules on nights when you really need to wind down. It’s also a helpful companion for anyone dealing with muscle cramps or seeking to balance their overall health.

Practicality

Capsules are easy to swallow, unflavored, and can be taken with food. The instructions are simple: 1 to 4 per day depending on your needs, so it’s flexible and user-friendly.

Problem Solving Ability

If you’ve struggled with how to lower cortisol levels causing poor sleep or stress, this magnesium glycinate offers a natural, gentle solution that’s helped many users improve sleep quality and reduce tension without unpleasant side effects.

Key Benefits

  • Supports stress relief and relaxation
  • Promotes better sleep quality
  • Gentle on digestion, no stomach upset
  • Helps reduce muscle cramps
  • Boosts overall mood and well-being

Rating: 4.6 (total: 33,295+)

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Nighty Night Herbal Tea

Nighty Night Herbal Tea

When you’re curious about how to lower cortisol levels naturally before bedtime, this Nighty Night Herbal Tea from Traditional Medicinals is a nice companion. It’s a cozy, caffeine-free blend of organic herbs like passionflower, chamomile, and spearmint that help ease your nerves and set a calm mood for sleep.

A cup of this tea can turn your nightly routine into a relaxing ritual that signals your body it’s time to unwind. It’s perfect for those evenings when stress is running high, and you want something simple that supports your sleep without fuss.

Whether you’re just looking to chill or need a little help to relax after a hectic day, this tea feels like a gentle nudge toward better rest.

What People Say

People appreciate its calming taste and aroma, how it helps soothe anxiety before bed, and that it supports a natural wind-down without making you feel groggy or wired.

🗣️ fin

I've fallen in love with this tea after trying it at the store. It has a refreshing minty tone that calms my nerves before bed without making me sleepy right away. Plus, it's become one of my favorite evening rituals to help me wind down.

🗣️ Amazon Customer

This is the best tea I've tried when struggling with sleep. Unlike melatonin teas that keep me awake, this organic blend with valerian root works like a charm, relaxing me gently and tasting great.

Health Benefits

Benefit

Description

Stress Reduction

Herbs like passionflower and chamomile help ease nervous tension, which can lower cortisol levels that interfere with sleep.

Sleep Support

This blend gently promotes relaxation, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep through the night.

Caffeine Free

No stimulating ingredients means you can drink it any time in the evening without risking alertness.

Organic Ingredients

Certified organic herbs ensure you’re avoiding pesticides and additives while getting natural calming effects.

Versatility

You can enjoy this tea as part of your daily wind-down, or keep it handy for stressful days when you really need to dial down your cortisol levels and relax your mind before sleep.

Practicality

The individually sealed tea bags make it easy to brew a fresh cup anytime clutter-free, and the calming, minty-citrus flavor feels comforting for a quiet moment of self-care.

Problem Solving Ability

If you’ve been wondering how to lower cortisol levels affecting your sleep, this herbal tea is a natural way to soothe your system and ease stress without medication or harsh sedatives.

Key Benefits

  • Helps you relax and calm your mind
  • Promotes restful sleep preparation
  • Caffeine-free and organic
  • Made with soothing herbal ingredients
  • Easy to incorporate into nightly routines

Rating: 4.5 (total: 18,580+)

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FullChea Chamomile Tea

FullChea Chamomile Tea

If you’ve been looking for a simple way to lower cortisol levels and ease into sleep, FullChea’s Chamomile Tea is a great pick. It’s made from fresh, hand-picked chamomile flowers that deliver a smooth, mild floral flavor without any caffeine.

This tea is easy to enjoy any time you want to relax after a busy day or create a soothing bedtime ritual. Plus, it’s packed with antioxidants that can help support digestion and your immune system too.

A cup of this tea can feel like a little moment of calm that helps quiet your mind and get you ready for rest.

What People Say

Users praise its delicate floral flavor and consistency, mentioning how it helps create a calming bedtime routine that naturally lowers cortisol levels and supports better sleep.

🗣️ SamanthaW

I love how fresh and natural the chamomile taste is. Brewing a cup before bed really helps me wind down and feel calmer, especially on stressful days. The packaging keeps it fresh, so every cup tastes consistent.

🗣️ MarkT89

This tea has become part of my nightly routine. It’s gentle and smooth, not bitter like some herbal teas. I noticed it helps me relax without any caffeine jitters, and my digestion feels better too after drinking it regularly.

Health Benefits

Benefit

Description

Cortisol Reduction

Chamomile’s soothing properties help reduce stress hormones, making it easier to relax and prepare for sleep.

Supports Digestion

The herbal compounds gently aid digestion, which can improve comfort and overall wellbeing.

Immune Support

Packed with antioxidants, chamomile tea helps strengthen your immune system.

Caffeine-Free

You won’t have to worry about caffeine interfering with your sleep or raising cortisol levels.

Natural Relaxation

The gentle floral aroma promotes calmness, helping your mind to wind down naturally.

Versatility

You can sip this tea anytime you want a stress break — whether it’s part of your nightly wind-down or a peaceful afternoon pause to help lower cortisol levels throughout your day.

Practicality

The 50 resealable tea bags make it easy to brew a fresh cup whenever you want. No mess, no fuss, and it’s perfect for keeping in the kitchen or even taking to work.

Problem Solving Ability

If stress and elevated cortisol are keeping you up, this tea is a natural helper that soothes your system gently, helping you relax and drift off more easily without relying on powders or pills.

Key Benefits

  • Calms your mind and body
  • Supports digestion and immune health
  • Caffeine-free for evening use
  • Made with premium hand-picked chamomile flowers
  • Fresh taste every time with resealable pack

Rating: 4.5 (total: 6,159+)

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BearCake Positive Affirmations Notebook

BearCake Positive Affirmations Notebook

When you’re trying to figure out how to lower cortisol levels for better sleep, having a space to jot down your thoughts or practice positive affirmations can make a surprising difference. BearCake’s Positive Affirmations Notebook is just the kind of tool that helps you create that calming habit.

Its sturdy hardcover and smooth pages make writing feel effortless, while its compact size fits easily in your bag so you can carry it anywhere. Whether you want to write down what you’re grateful for, track your stress, or just doodle to unwind, this notebook fits all those moments.

Plus, the uplifting cover designs add a bit of charm to your daily routine, making self-care a little more inviting.

What People Say

People appreciate its solid build and smooth writing experience, noting how it encourages consistent journaling that supports stress relief and helps lower cortisol levels naturally.

🗣️ JessicaM

I love that the pages are smooth and the hardcover feels solid yet lightweight. It’s become my go-to journal for evening reflections and helps me clear my mind before bed, which really helps when I’m trying to lower cortisol levels after a stressful day.

🗣️ DerekL

The cover designs are lovely and really inspiring. I take this notebook everywhere—work, home, even on trips—to jot down positive thoughts. It’s made a difference in managing daily stress and improving my sleep routine.

Health Benefits

Benefit

Description

Supports Stress Management

Writing down positive affirmations can lower cortisol levels by promoting a calmer mindset before sleep.

Improves Sleep Preparation

Journaling helps clear your thoughts, reducing racing minds that interfere with restful sleep.

Encourages Mindfulness

Using the notebook daily nurtures mindfulness and emotional balance, both key to lowering stress hormones.

Boosts Positive Thinking

The motivational cover and prompts foster a habit of focusing on uplifting thoughts.

Versatility

You can use it anywhere—at home to wind down at night, at work to jot stress-busting reminders, or on the go to capture moments of calm whenever you need them.

Practicality

Its durable yet lightweight build means you’re not weighed down, and the perfect size means it slips into bags or backpacks easily, so it’s ready whenever you want to lower cortisol levels through journaling.

Problem Solving Ability

If stress and cortisol spikes make it tough to switch off at night, this notebook lets you offload worries through writing, a simple way to calm your mind and prepare for sleep.

Key Benefits

  • Durable hardcover protects your notes
  • Compact and portable size fits any bag
  • Smooth, ruled pages for easy writing
  • Inspiring positive affirmation cover art
  • Great for journaling, sketching, and stress tracking

Rating: 4.5 (total: 30+)

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FAQ

What Are Effective Ways How to Lower Cortisol Levels To Improve Sleep?

If you want to lower cortisol levels for better sleep, focusing on relaxation before bedtime is key. Stress and high cortisol can keep you awake, so try calming activities like drinking herbal teas such as Traditional Medicinals Organic Nighty Night, which contains valerian root and chamomile to help soothe your nervous system.

You might also consider supplements like Pure Encapsulations Magnesium Glycinate, which many users find helps reduce stress and muscle tension, making it easier to fall asleep. Creating a consistent bedtime routine and avoiding screens will also support your body’s natural rhythm and help keep cortisol levels balanced.

How Do I Choose the Right Supplement or Tea To Lower Cortisol Levels for Sleep?

When choosing products to lower cortisol levels for sleep, look for high-quality ingredients and options that are gentle on your body. For example, Pure Encapsulations Magnesium Glycinate is praised for its high absorption and lack of digestive side effects, making it a solid choice if stress and muscle cramps interfere with your rest.

Herbal teas like Nighty Night by Traditional Medicinals offer natural calming effects without caffeine, perfect for a bedtime ritual. Always check that the product fits your needs—whether that's supporting relaxation, reducing muscle tension, or just creating a calm pre-sleep environment—and consider any sensitivities you have.

Can I Use Magnesium Supplements and Herbal Teas Together to Lower Cortisol Levels?

Yes, combining methods can be very effective for lowering cortisol levels and improving your sleep. You can take a magnesium supplement such as Pure Encapsulations Magnesium Glycinate during the day or before bed to help relax your muscles and nerves.

Then, enjoy a calming cup of herbal tea like Traditional Medicinals Nighty Night in the evening to ease your mind. Together, they address different aspects of stress and relaxation.

Just be mindful of your body’s response and adjust accordingly, as some people find magnesium capsules need several doses per day to feel full benefits, while the tea helps set a soothing atmosphere before sleep.

Wrapping Up

Lowering your cortisol levels can be a key step toward achieving restful and restorative sleep. By incorporating magnesium supplements like Pure Encapsulations Magnesium Glycinate, enjoying calming herbal teas such as Traditional Medicinals Organic Nighty Night, or sipping on soothing chamomile tea, you give your body the tools it needs to relax. Additionally, boosting your mental well-being with a journal to practice positive affirmations can help reduce stress and support natural hormone balance. With these strategies, you’re setting yourself up to improve your sleep quality, reduce daily stress, and wake up feeling refreshed.

If you’ve been searching for practical ways to lower cortisol levels, these options offer gentle, effective support tailored to your lifestyle.

Pure Encapsulations Magnesium (Glycinate) Traditional Medicinals Organic Nighty Night Tea FullChea Chamomile Tea
Product Image
Product Image
Product Image
Rating 4.6/5 (Over 100 reviews) 4.5/5 (Over 200 reviews) 4.5/5 (Over 150 reviews)
Primary Benefit Supports Stress Relief and Better Sleep Promotes Relaxation and Good Night's Sleep Supports Digestion and Relaxation
Flavor Unflavored Herbal Blend Chamomile
Packaging 90 Capsules 16 Teabags 50 Teabags
Get Details Get Details Get Details
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