Sleep expert names 'effective' fruit juice for better sleep - consumed 'two hours' before bedtime
Consuming tart cherries before bed may promote sleep
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Insomnia affects an alarming number of Britons but many tools can target lifestyle-related sleep disturbances.
Sleep expert and psychiatrist at WINIT Clinic, Doctor Sham Singh, told GB News why cherry juice may be the natural solution for such issues, noting that the fruit's melatonin promotes healthier sleep patterns.
“There is increasing evidence to support that tart cherry juice can promote a good sleep pattern because of its melatonin content," the expert explained.
Melatonin, commonly referred to as the "sleep hormone", plays a central role in determining when the body falls asleep or wakes up.
Melatonin production is essential for better sleep
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Although it is naturally produced in the body, tart cherry juice is one of the very few dietary sources of melatonin found in nature.
It enhances the body’s natural sleep processes by regulating the circadian rhythm.
“The melatonin and antioxidants in tart cherries work together to enhance the body’s natural sleep process,” noted Dr Singh.
He continued: “The most suitable time will be one to two hours before bedtime.
“This allows for the melatonin inside the tart cherry juice to absorb and then start affecting your natural sleeping cycle.”
Consistency is key to seeing results, noted Dr Singh, as the most “effective results” occur when it’s regularly incorporated into a night-time routine.
Experts at the Sleep Foundation noted that drinking a glass “after a meal of sleep-supporting foods may provide added benefit”.
They added: “In addition to tart cherry juice, you can also take melatonin in the form of a dietary supplement.
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Natural ingredients like cherry juice may promote better sleep
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“Talk to your doctor before taking melatonin supplements for the first time.”
If you are considering consuming the juice for better sleep doctors recommend opting for a product without sugar.
The tart taste of the fruit may not be to everyone's liking, as it gives off a sour kick similar to blackberries.
"If the sour taste of the cherry juice does not suit your preferences, you can also buy a tart cherry extract as a supplement in pill form," the Sleep Foundation advised.
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