Eesha Kulkarni

Tossing and turning in bed, longing for the sweet embrace of slumber, we’ve all been there! Desperate for a magical potion to whisk us away to dreamland, we scoured the depths of the internet for the latest remedies.

Enter: The ‘sleepy girl mocktail,’ a tantalising elixir that has taken TikTok by storm. Originally concocted by Calee Shea and recently popularised by Gracie Norton, this viral sensation promises to lull even the most restless souls into a blissful state of sleep. With claims of its wondrous powers flooding our screens, one ingredient duo in particular has captured our attention: pure tart cherry juice and magnesium—a heavenly match destined to bring you nights of uninterrupted slumber.

As the views and comments skyrocketed on Gracie Norton’s TikTok video, a curious phenomenon emerged—a chorus of voices echoing the same sentiment. Countless individuals attested to the effects of the sleepy girl mocktail, sharing their personal experiences of the best sleep they had ever encountered. The question on everyone’s lips: Could this be more than just a social media craze? Is there a genuine secret hidden within this magical drink that can truly lull us into a peaceful slumber?

So, does it actually work?

At its core lies pure tart cherry juice, an unsuspecting hero in this nocturnal tale. Cherries, particularly tart ones, are known to be rich in melatonin—the hormone responsible for regulating our sleep-wake cycle. By incorporating this ruby elixir, the mocktail aims to tap into nature’s own sleep aid.

But the journey to a restful night doesn’t end there. Enter magnesium, the companion of tart cherry juice. Magnesium, an essential mineral, is known to promote relaxation and tranquillity, making it a coveted ally in the quest for a peaceful slumber. Its inclusion in the mocktail adds another layer of potential sleep-enhancing properties.

What are the benefits of consuming the ‘sleepy girl’ mocktail?

According to scientific research, cherries and magnesium possess sleep-inducing properties that may contribute to a better night’s rest. Here’s a glimpse into the science behind their potential sleep benefits.

Cherries and Melatonin

Cherries, especially tart cherries, are naturally rich in melatonin, a hormone that regulates our sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin helps signal to our body that it’s time to sleep, promoting relaxation and drowsiness. Consuming cherry juice or cherries themselves may provide a natural boost of melatonin, potentially aiding in falling asleep faster and improving sleep quality.

Antioxidants and Inflammation

Cherries are packed with antioxidants, such as anthocyanins, which have been linked to reduced inflammation in the body. Inflammation can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to sleep disturbances. By reducing inflammation, cherries may help create a more conducive environment for restful sleep.

Magnesium and Relaxation

Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including promoting relaxation and reducing muscle tension. It interacts with the neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) in the brain, which has calming effects and helps regulate sleep. Consuming magnesium-rich foods or supplements, like those found in the ‘sleepy girl’ mocktail, may potentially support a calm and peaceful sleep experience.

While the exact mechanisms of how cherries and magnesium influence sleep are still being explored, scientific evidence suggests that their properties can positively impact sleep quality and duration. So, the combination of tart cherry juice and magnesium in the TikTok viral mocktail might indeed hold the potential to help you drift off into dreamland.

So, grab your shaker, dim the lights, and let’s delve into the world of this mysterious sleep elixir to find out for ourselves, shall we? The jury’s out!

Recipe for the ‘sleepy girl’ mocktail

Ingredients

Ice

½ cup Pure Tart Cherry Juice

1 tbsp Magnesium Powder

Lemon Lime-Flavoured Soda or Sparkling Water

Method

1. Fill a glass of your choosing with ice.
2. Next, pour in ½ cup of cherry juice.
3. Add 1 tablespoon of magnesium powder to the liquid and stir well.
4. Then top it off with your favourite lemon-lime flavoured beverage and enjoy!