Ride The Bear! Mom Needing Stronger And Stronger Sleepytime Tea To Nod Off

PEORIA, IL—The family of local mom Delilah Henderson is increasingly worried by her growing dependence on Sleepytime Tea, sources say.

While Henderson’s initial dalliances with herbal tea relaxants were treated as “blowing off steam” and “just a fun little treat,” the 53-year-old Illinois native is reportedly demonstrating a rapidly growing tolerance to the iconic beverage.

“She used to only have a cup around 8 pm, usually while watching a rerun of The Good Wife and that would pretty much put her down for the night” reports daughter Naomi, 17. “Now, she goes to the bathroom and locks the door, letting the bag steep for seven or eight minutes to get it as strong as possible, then just straight chugging it when it's scalding hot. It’s really scary to see.”

Growing addictions like this are sadly common, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Dr. Candance Ortiz reports “Ruthless companies like Celestial Seasonings have been irresponsibly flooding the market with relaxing teas for years, and the accessibility of bedtime beverages leads to cases like [Henderson’s].” 

She went on further to describe how the casual use of original Sleepytime Tea can lead to increased "using." This often involves stronger substances like Sleepytime Extra, Sleepytime Lavender, and in extreme cases, even pure, uncut valerian tea. 

“I don’t feel like I know Mom when she’s this way,” Naomi tearfully told reporters. “Just tonight, she’s had three cups and she’s still wide awake for Fallon. She keeps saying she just wants 'one last cup, one last taste of the Bear, and then I’m off it for good.' I'm worried."

As of press time, Delilah Henderson’s husband Joe was snoring gently on the couch beside a Bud Light Lime.