Aren’t there always new mind-blowing hacks coming about on social media? The “must try,” or you will be sorry, or the “this will reverse your age in seconds.”
The question is, are any of these hacks backed by science? Or are we tricking ourselves into believing that there is some form of reliability behind these viral practices?
The “Sleepy Girl Mocktail,” recently spiked in popularity with over 4.2 million views on TikTok according to ABC News. The name comes from the influencers who started the trend, claiming the mocktail is the ultimate game changer when it comes to sleep.
So what is it and why are we obsessed with it? The sleepy girl mocktail is a bedtime cocktail that many claim improves sleep. The ingredients consist of pure tart cherry juice, magnesium powder and a sparkling water of choice. “Sleepy Girl Mocktail,” drinkers say that if you incorporate this drink into your night time routine, you will have a better night’s sleep.
Magnesium is an important mineral for the body that can be found naturally in many foods. The National Institutes of Health says that “Magnesium is a cofactor in more than 300 enzyme systems that regulate diverse biochemical reactions in the body, including protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and blood pressure regulation.” (NIH, 2022). One of its benefits is that it may promote relaxation, hence being the main component in the “Sleepy Girl Mocktail”.
Studies show that [ U.S.] citizens don’t intake nearly enough magnesium on a day-to-day basis. UCLA Health recommends, “400 to 420 milligrams per day for adult men and 310 to 320 milligrams for women (more if pregnant or breastfeeding.” (UCLA Health, 2024). Magnesium rich foods consist of nuts, seeds and whole grains.
The other star of the show is tart cherry juice. Cherries are filled with antioxidants and vitamins. What is unique about tart cherries is that they naturally produce high amounts of melatonin, a hormone that plays a role in sleep. The idea is that by combining the two ingredients you will have a better night’s sleep.
So what we are all still wondering is does it work?
Senior at Michigan State Chloe Marcou says, “After a super busy semester, I’ve been working on fixing my sleep schedule. The “Sleepy Girl Mocktail,” has helped me create a wind down routine for myself and the ingredients have helped me stay asleep throughout the night.”
Marcou shared her creation in a TikTok.
Sleep is one of the most important components of life. Sleep promotes a healthy heart, brain function, immunity and energy. Without enough sleep, you could experience serious problems with your body.
It’s up to you whether you think incorporating the “Sleepy Girl Mocktail,” into your bedtime routine is worth it, even if it may be pseudo-science.
