If you struggle to sleep, you’ve probably laid there at night wishing for some magic potion to help you drift off.
While that’s a bit of a pipedream, people on TikTok are touting a new drink as a game-changer for better sleep, with one creator saying it had her ‘out like a light’.
Wellness influencer Gracie Norton is among the fans of the ‘sleepy girl’ mocktail, and, in a video that now boasts 1.5 million views, she claimed it helped her have ‘the best night’s sleep ever’.
Similarly, user Calee Shea said the drink ‘has [her] in a chokehold’, with her video explaining how to make it garnering comments like ‘it’s literally so good’ and ‘life saver.’
So what is this concoction that people can’t stop raving about? Is it the sleep panacea it’s claimed to be? And is it even safe?
Let’s start with the basics. The sleepy girl cocktail is made up of three ingredients: pure tart cherry juice, magnesium powder, and a small amount of Olipop soda to top it off.
Olipop sparkling drinks contain prebiotic soluble fibre and are low in sugar compared to traditional options, considered by some as a healthy alternative when you want a hit of fizz. That said, some flavours have caffeine – not ideal before bed – and it’s not easy to get your hands on the brand here in the UK.
Pure tart cherry juice is slightly more readily available, but do double check you’ve got the right product as classic cherry juice and blended or sweetened varieties won’t have the same effect.
Martin Seeley, sleep expert and CEO of MattressNextDay, tells Metro.co.uk: ‘There is some evidence to suggest that consuming pure tart cherry juice may help promote sleepiness and improve sleep quality.
‘Tart cherries are a natural source of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle.’
There’s also support for magnesium as a sleep staple, as it plays a crucial role in a number of bodily functions, including the production of melatonin and the process of physical relaxation.
‘Magnesium has a calming effect on the nervous system, which can help reduce feelings of anxiety and promote relaxation, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night,’ explains Martin.
‘In addition to its relaxation-promoting effects, magnesium can also help reduce muscle tension and cramping, which can be a common cause of disrupted sleep.’
Essentially, it’s not a bad idea to mix up a sleepy girl mocktail of your own – but there are a few things to consider.
‘Be cautious with any drinks that contain caffeine or alcohol, as these can have negative effects on sleep quality,’ says Martin.
‘It’s also important to pay attention to the timing of your sleep-inducing drink. Consuming any beverage, even those without caffeine or alcohol, too close to bedtime can lead to disrupted sleep due to the need to use the bathroom during the night.’
We’d also urge caution about taking magnesium in excess.
Dr Donald Grant from online pharmacy The Independent Pharmacy, previously told Metro.co.uk that while there’s anecdotal evidence it may be beneficial in small quantities, high doses could pose problems.
‘Some studies indicate that magnesium has a laxative effect when taken in higher doses, making it useful for the relief of constipation,’ he said.
‘I always recommend you consult a pharmacist or doctor before taking magnesium supplements.’
For a snoozy nightcap alternative (in moderation, of course) Martin recommends chamomile, lavender, valerian root, passionflower and the aforementioned tart cherry juice. These ingredients have natural sedative effects, so it may be worth switching up your usual bedtime cuppa if you’re struggling to wind down.
Try to remember, though, that there’s no miracle cure for sleep problems. It takes a consistent focus on living a healthy lifestyle to see meaningful effects.
Once you’ve got your overall sleep hygiene down, then give mixology a go.
Martin’s advice to wind down at night (without having to try sleepy girl mocktail)
- Establish a consistent bedtime routine: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This will help regulate your body’s internal clock and promote better sleep.
- Create a relaxing bedtime environment: Make your bedroom a comfortable and peaceful place, with a comfortable mattress, pillows, and bedding. Keep the temperature cool, dark, and quiet, and consider using earplugs or a white noise machine if needed.
- Limit screen time before bed: The blue light emitted by electronic devices like smartphones, tablets, and computers can disrupt your sleep by suppressing the production of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep. Try to avoid screens for at least 30 minutes to an hour before bed.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol: Both caffeine and alcohol can interfere with sleep. Try to avoid consuming them for several hours before bedtime.
- Practice relaxation techniques: Activities such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga can help you relax and prepare for sleep.
- Read a book: Reading a book before bed can be a great way to unwind and signal to your brain that it’s time for sleep.
- Take a warm bath or shower: Taking a warm bath or shower before bed can help relax your muscles and promote sleep.
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Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
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