Some people include kava as part of winding down at night. We want to be straightforward about what that does and doesn't mean, because a few things this article used to say weren't responsible — including suggesting kava as a reason to avoid sleeping pills a doctor has prescribed. We don't stand behind that.
What people report
Kava is commonly associated with physical relaxation and a calm, settled mood, and some people find it fits naturally into an evening routine. That's a subjective, individual experience.
What we're not going to claim
We are not going to position kava as a treatment for insomnia or any other sleep disorder, and we are not going to suggest it as a substitute for medication a doctor has prescribed. If you've been prescribed a sleep medication, that's a conversation to have with your doctor — not a decision to make based on a botanical beverage.
If you're dealing with ongoing sleep problems, a doctor can actually diagnose what's going on. That's worth pursuing directly rather than working around it.
If you want to try it
Prepare a shell using our traditional preparation guide, and give yourself time before bed to sit with it. Kava is not appropriate for daily use as a substitute for medical care.