“Sleepy Girl Mocktail” is the latest trend in sleep aids on social media platforms. The mocktail is a mixture of tart cherry juice, magnesium and prebiotic soda. Social media influencers are adding this iced concoction to their bedtime routines, but does it really work?
Dr. Justin Thomas, assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, says the drink may be worth a try.
“My guess is that both magnesium and cherry juice are included because they're thought to help with sleep. My approach to supplements like this is to say they probably won't hurt.” he said.
Thomas, who is also director of the UAB Behavioral Sleep Medicine Clinic, points out that there is minimal research on tart cherries and magnesium as sleep aids, and there is no definitive answer as to whether they are effective.
“This mocktail could act as a placebo,” Thomas says. “The placebo effect is very strong and should not be taken lightly. Most people with sleep problems don't care about how it works, they just wonder if it works. I think that’s all I care about.”
Thomas said the mocktail aspect of the drink is important because alcohol interferes with sleep. Although alcohol may reduce the time it takes to fall asleep, many studies have shown that it increases the number of times you wake up during the night.
While mocktails may help you sleep, Thomas recommends developing a relaxing bedtime routine that avoids light exposure and electronic device use at least two hours before bedtime.
“People who have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep at least three nights a week may have insomnia. Research shows that cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is more effective than sleeping pills. is also known to be the best treatment,” Thomas said. “People with sleep concerns or sleep disorders should talk to their GP to see if CBT-I is recommended.”
The “Sleepy Girl Mocktail” may not be a long-term solution to your sleep problems, but it might not be a bad idea to try this cocktail on those sleepless nights. He says that while it's safe to take every night, people should be aware that magnesium can cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
“If this mocktail helps someone sleep, I would recommend sticking with it because a little extra magnesium and cherry juice won't hurt,” Thomas said.
To learn more about improving your sleep from UAB experts, click here.
