Getting quality shut-eye can feel like a luxury. But fear not, because there’s a trendy solution on the rise: sleep mocktails. Bedtime alcohol-free drinks aimed at lulling you into dreamland are trending on TikTok.
These aren’t your average nightcaps. We’re talking about creative concoctions crafted to calm both the mind and body, offering a refreshing departure from the usual sleep aids. From soothing herbal blends to exotic elixirs, people are jumping on board with these pre-bedtime rituals.
- The search for “sleep mocktail” was up 463 percent.
- Searches for “Sleepy Girl Mocktail” were up 1,131 percent.
- Tart cherry juice searches were up 46 percent.
Tart Cherry Juice
Tart Cherry Juice packs a double punch of goodness – it’s loaded with antioxidants and contains melatonin. If you’re unfamiliar with melatonin, it’s a hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating our sleep-wake cycles. This juice also boasts tryptophan, an amino acid that helps ramp up your body’s melatonin production. In simple terms, think of it as a natural alternative to those melatonin gummies, minus the grogginess the next morning.
Tart Cherry Juice Mocktail Recipe
- Ice
- ½ cup pure tart cherry juice
- 1 tablespoon magnesium powder
- Lemon-lime flavored soda or sparkling water
Instructions:
1. Fill a glass of your choice with ice cubes.
2. Pour in the ½ cup of tart cherry juice into the glass.
3. Add 1 tablespoon of magnesium powder to the cherry juice and stir until well combined.
4. Top it off with your preferred lemon-lime flavored soda or sparkling water.
5. Give it a gentle stir to mix all the flavors.
Introducing additional melatonin through this drink can complement the melatonin already present in our bodies, helping us drift off to dreamland faster. As for magnesium, researchers suggest that it may have a relaxing effect on the central nervous system, potentially aiding in inducing sleepiness.
When it comes to the tart cherry juice debate, research offers mixed results.
In a small study, no significant differences in sleep time or quality were noted from using tart cherry juice. However, another study painted a more promising picture. This study focused on elderly participants struggling with insomnia and found that tart cherry juice reduced inflammation boosted tryptophan availability (the precursor to sleep-inducing serotonin), and led to increased sleep duration and efficiency. It seems that tart cherry mocktails could hold some potential as a natural sleep aid, particularly for certain groups.
Causes for Concern?
With millions of views and viral videos on TikTok, influencers noted that while the drink did help them fall asleep faster, some experienced extremely vivid dreams with the melatonin. One shared her anxiety was also triggered.
Other users also reported experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms like acid reflux and upset stomach. Individuals with chronic medical conditions should ask their healthcare provider before new supplements. Drinking any beverage before bed can increase the likelihood of waking up to urinate, disrupting sleep.
To mitigate blood sugar spikes from tart cherry juice, pairing it with a small snack high in tryptophan or melatonin, such as cheese or almonds, is recommended by registered dietitian Bonnie Taub-Dix.
DIsrupted and lack of sleep is a problem for many Americans. If trying a sleepy time mocktail doesn’t help, or melatonin is too powerful for your dreams, connect with the Alaska Sleep Clinic for a free consultation.
