The Sleepy Mocktail Trend: Should You Get on Board?
There are so many trends on social media, it’s hard to keep up (if you even want to). Some of these trends prove to be both fun and useful. Others are a complete waste of time. A few of our favorite trends include the 3-2-8 Workout Method, Backwards Walking, Cozy Cardio, and anything that encourages healthy movement. Other trends, which will remain nameless, can be ineffective, cringy, if not downright dangerous. One of the latest trends is the “Sleepy Mocktail.” So what’s with this trend? Is it effective? Plus, a simply delicious recipe.
Sleepy Mocktail Claims
Could a great night’s sleep be as simple as sipping on the right beverage before bed? Maybe, maybe not. Yes, the ingredients in the sleepy mocktail do have science to suggest they may help you get deeper, more restful sleep. But there’s likely a bit more nuance. For instance, are you also practicing healthy sleep hygiene? Are you avoiding stimulants (from caffeine to eye-catching reels) before bed? Even the best sleepy mocktail likely can’t make you sleep if you’re making other common mistakes. In addition, we all react to things a bit differently. So even if something seems to work for “everyone else,” that doesn’t necessarily mean it will be effective for you.
What’s in a Sleepy Mocktail?
First off, the one ingredient that’s not in a sleepy mocktail is alcohol. The drink may taste a little like a cocktail, but instead of gin or vodka, it’s made with juice and sparkling water combined with key minerals. The three most common ingredients in a sleepy mocktail are tart cherry juice, magnesium powder, and sparkling water. Here’s why these ingredients are included:
Tart Cherry Juice is rich in phytonutrients and flavonoids, as well as the potential sleep-inviting nutrients tryptophan and melatonin. Just make sure you avoid a cherry juice cocktail. Instead, choose one that contains no added sugars.
Magnesium is the star of the show. Just make sure you choose magnesium bisglycinate rather than magnesium citrate. The citrate form is known to have a laxative effect. That’s helpful if you want to get your bowels moving, but it’s not so good if you’re looking for a good night’s sleep. The bisglycinate form is not only easier on the digestive system, it’s also the form that may help you sleep.
Sparkling water doesn’t help you sleep, but it can help dilute your drink and make it more appealing.
Try the Sleepy Mocktail Yourself
While it doesn’t ensure a good night’s sleep, there’s good evidence that it could help. Here’s a simple recipe you can whip up in minutes to see how it works for you:
Ingredients
- ¼ cup pure unsweetened tart cherry juice
- 4 ounces raspberry sparkling water
- 1 scoop magnesium powder or, better yet, the contents of one capsule of Zen ZZZ™
- Handful ~1/2 cup of fresh raspberries
- 3 to 5 ice cubes
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a blender, blend, and then pour into your favorite cocktail glass. Garnish with a fresh raspberry!
- Enjoy in the evening, about 30 minutes before bed.