1 / 5SLEEP TEAS·CELESTIAL SEASONINGS
Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime Extra
4.5 · 22,400 reviews
Editor score8.4/10
Best for: Sleepytime fans wanting more strength, valerian beginners
Key herb
Chamomile + valerian
Blend
Chamomile, spearmint, valerian, tilia
Caffeine
Caffeine-free
The household name, upgraded — the classic mint-chamomile Sleepytime with valerian added for real potency.
Everyone recognizes the Sleepytime bear, but the regular blend is very gentle. 'Extra' is the version that actually does something: the same beloved chamomile-spearmint base plus valerian for a meaningful step up in strength. It's the easiest on-ramp for people who find valerian teas too intense — familiar, pleasant, widely stocked, and cheap. Caffeine-free. Same valerian cautions as any potent sleep tea.
Price across 3 retailers
Prices checked 2026-07-02amazon
AmazonBest price✓ Fast delivery · easy returns
Caffeine-free · Chamomile + valerian
$4.29
2026-07-02
Prices shown were last checked on 2026-07-02and can change at any time — the price on the retailer's site at checkout is the one that applies. As an Amazon Associate and affiliate we may earn a commission on purchases made through these links, at no extra cost to you.
How our prices work
We show the lowest price we found at our last check (2026-07-02) and the manufacturer's list price for comparison. Retail prices — Amazon's especially — move constantly, so treat these as a guide: the price shown on the retailer's own page at checkout is the one that applies. Tap through to see each retailer's current price.
Should you buy it?
What we like
- Familiar Sleepytime taste + real valerian
- Easiest on-ramp to stronger sleep teas
- 20 bags at the lowest price here
What to know before buying
- Not organic certified
- Milder than dedicated valerian blends
- Classic version (non-Extra) does little
At a glance
Key herbChamomile + valerian
BlendChamomile, spearmint, valerian, tilia
CaffeineCaffeine-free
Form20 tea bags
CertificationNon-GMO Project
TasteMinty, mellow
Steep5-6 min
Best time45 min before bed
Best forFamiliar taste, real strength
How it scores
How our 8.4/10 breaks down — rated on the dimensions that matter most for sleep teas, from hands-on testing and verified specs, not the marketing.
Sleep effect
8/10
Taste
8/10
Ingredient quality
7.5/10
Purity
7/10
Value
8.5/10
Compare with alternatives
Quick verdicts for the sleep teas most often considered alongside the Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime Extra.
VS·HEAD-TO-HEAD
Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime Extra vs Traditional Medicinals Nighty Night Valerian
The valerian heavyweight — the strongest evidence-backed sleep herb in a pharmacist-grade organic blend.
→ People chamomile didn't help, valerian believers
VS·HEAD-TO-HEAD
Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime Extra vs Yogi Bedtime Herbal Tea
The bestselling bedtime blend — a warm, sweet spiced tea that's more nightly ritual than medicine.
→ Nightly wind-down ritual, chamomile lovers, best value
VS·HEAD-TO-HEAD
Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime Extra vs Pukka Night Time Organic Tea
The premium organic blend — a beautifully composed oat-flower, lavender and valerian tea for the tea snob's nightcap.
→ Tea enthusiasts, gift-worthy, taste-first valerian
Decision support · what no other comparison site has
Take the quiz · 60 secNot sure which one is right for you?
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Editor's deep dive
Is the Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime worth it?
The short answer
Yes — Sleepytime Extra is the smart middle path: the familiar chamomile-mint taste everyone knows, plus enough valerian to actually matter. If regular Sleepytime never seemed to do anything, this is why the Extra exists.
Who it's for
Sleepytime loyalists ready for real strength, and valerian first-timers who fear the earthiness — the mint base masks it better than any dedicated valerian tea. Also the value pick: 20 bags at the lowest price in our comparison.
Best for you if…
Upgrading from regular Sleepytime Great fit
Same flavor family, genuinely stronger blend — the natural next step.
First valerian experience Great fit
Mint-chamomile masking makes it the gentlest introduction to the herb.
Organic-certified buyers Decent fit
Non-GMO verified but not USDA Organic — Traditional Medicinals wins that spec.
Pregnancy / sedative users Skip it
Contains valerian — same cautions as every potent sleep tea.
Bottom line
The best taste-to-strength ratio in the category at the lowest price. Buy Extra, not the classic, if sleep is the goal.
How we scored this
Three weeks nightly against regular Sleepytime and Nighty Night Valerian — comparing taste acceptance, subjective drowsiness onset, and cost per cup.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between Sleepytime and Sleepytime Extra?
Classic Sleepytime is chamomile-mint and very mild — a gentle bedtime flavor. 'Extra' adds valerian for genuine sedative strength. If regular Sleepytime never seemed to 'work,' Extra is why.
Is it a good first valerian tea?
Yes — the familiar chamomile-mint base masks valerian's earthiness better than a pure valerian tea, so it's the gentlest way to try the stronger herb.
Any caution with the valerian?
Same as all valerian teas: skip during pregnancy/breastfeeding, don't combine with sedatives or alcohol, and don't drive after a strong cup. Occasional use has a good safety record.
20 bags for the price — is it lower quality?
No — Celestial's scale just makes it cheaper. It's Non-GMO verified with a solid ingredient list. You're not paying the organic-premium the Traditional Medicinals and Pukka teas charge.
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