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Does the Sleepy Girl Mocktail Actually Work?

April 14, 2024

Feel like you’ve tried everything, but you still aren’t getting a good night’s sleep? There might be one more option you haven’t thought of yet.

We asked an expert what you need to know about the now-famous “sleepy girl mocktail.”

What exactly is the ‘sleepy girl mocktail’?

The recipe is easy. Simply mix:

• 1/2 cup pure tart cherry juice
• 1 tablespoon of magnesium powder
• A splash of sparkling water or a prebiotic soda

“The ingredients do make sense,” says Pantcho Maslinski, MD, neurologist at Windham Hospital. “A drink like this could help you relax or fall asleep faster.”

> Related: Is It Safe to Take Melatonin Every Night?

How does it work?

In particular, Maslinski points to the cherries and magnesium.

“Tart cherries are fairly rich in melatonin, which, in theory, can induce sleep,” he says. “Tart cherry juice can help with both sleep quality and duration, and has long been a home remedy for people with disrupted sleep patterns.”

And magnesium can also help regulate melatonin.

“Magnesium promotes relaxation and can help prepare your body for sleep. There are many different magnesium powders on the market, but I typically point to magnesium glycinate. It has less side effects than others on the market, and it’s better for the calming properties that can help with sleep.”

But even the best magnesium powder may not be a sure-fire solution for all your sleep woes.

“It’s important to remember that this is not a cure for insomnia, and it may not even be an antidote for poor sleep,” says Maslinski.

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Is it safe?

It is safe, and it might even be worth trying.

“The ‘sleepy girl mocktail’ is a safe addition to your nightly routine,” says Maslinski. “And it’s not just useful for sleep – it can also be a great choice if you’re looking to limit your alcohol consumption.”

But keep an eye on the dosage.

“At higher doses, magnesium works as a laxative – so be careful not to take too much,” Maslinski says.

Don’t rely on the “sleepy girl mocktail” alone.

“This might be able to help some people, but it isn’t for everyone,” Maslinski cautions. For some, these lifestyle changes can be even more impactful:

• Following a healthy diet
• Limiting caffeine
• Avoiding added sugar
• Eating more fruits and veggies

“And if none of that works, it’s time to go see your doctor,” says Maslinski. “Don’t let home remedies get in the way of seeking medical treatment if you’re consistently struggling to get a good night’s rest.”