The Sleepy Girl Mocktail: Exploring the Sleep Benefits of Tart Cherry Juice and Magnesium Powder
A new wellness trend called the “sleepy girl mocktail” is gaining popularity on social media for its supposed sleep benefits. Users are attributing these benefits to two main components of the drink: tart cherry juice and magnesium powder. But do these ingredients really have the power to help you sleep?
According to Dr. Steven Feinsilver, director of the Center for Sleep Medicine at Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital, the major effect of this mocktail is likely placebo. He explains that anything you believe will relax you and make you sleepy can have that effect because sleep is highly susceptible to the placebo effect.
However, if you’re interested in trying it out for yourself, there would be no harm in taking this combination at reasonable doses, according to Feinsilver. So what’s the hype over these ingredients?
Tart cherry juice contains a small amount of natural melatonin, which is a hormone that signals the brain to initiate sleep. While its effectiveness as a sleep-inducing agent is fairly small in most people, it is available over-the-counter as a “health food” in pharmacies. The amount of melatonin in cherry juice appears to be much less than what is found in melatonin supplements.
Tryptophan, another component found in tart cherry juice and many other foods, can be converted in the body to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that might cause sedation. This is why many people feel tired after eating a Thanksgiving turkey.
As for magnesium, some believe it can help prepare the body for sleep by affecting certain hormones. Studies have shown that a magnesium supplement can help with melatonin production, and many people take melatonin supplements to improve their sleep cycle.
If you do plan to try the sleepy girl mocktail, it’s important to be aware of different types of magnesium supplements. Magnesium glycinate is the preferred option because it is more easily absorbed in the gastrointestinal system. On the other hand, magnesium oxide is less absorbed in the intestine and is commonly used to help with constipation or heartburn symptoms.
Before trying any social media health trend, especially those involving over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or supplements, it is advised to consult with a doctor. These products can sometimes interfere with prescription medications and affect chronic medical conditions. Additionally, individuals struggling with blood sugar should avoid this drink due to its high carbohydrate content, unless sugar-free products are used.
People with sensitive stomachs or conditions like irritable bowel syndrome may also want to avoid the sleepy girl mocktail. Tart cherry juice could cause stomach upset or even diarrhea, while the high carbohydrate content could spike blood sugar levels right before bed, potentially interrupting the sleep cycle.
It’s important to note that these ingredients should not be seen as a solution for severe sleep problems. If you have been experiencing long-term sleeping difficulties, it is recommended to make an appointment with a family physician to address the root cause of the problem and seek appropriate treatment.
In conclusion, the sleepy girl mocktail trend has gained attention for its potential sleep benefits attributed to tart cherry juice and magnesium powder. While these ingredients may have some sleep-promoting qualities, their effectiveness may be limited and influenced by the placebo effect. It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before trying any new health trend or supplement.