Calming herbs vary a lot. Chamomile is often a gentle tea ritual. Passionflower and valerian can be more sedating. Kava carries significant liver and sedation cautions and should not be treated like an everyday tea.
The big safety rule
Do not combine sedating herbs with alcohol, sleep medicines, opioids, benzodiazepines, or other sedating medications unless a clinician specifically approves. If insomnia is persistent or tied to mood symptoms, pain, or breathing pauses, get evaluated.
Start here: Insomnia, Stress Support, and Kava.