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CNET
7 days ago
- Health
- CNET
Trouble Falling Asleep? I Tried This Viral Sleepy Girl Mocktail and the Results Surprised Me
My team of CNET sleep experts and I are always looking for the best ways of getting a good night's sleep. Between testing mattresses and researching melatonin supplements, we make time to fact-check viral social media videos. Naturally, when the "Sleepy Girl Mocktail" made its rounds on TikTok and Instagram last year, I had to test its claim of being a sleep-aid-free drink by trying it for myself. A week before I sat down to write this article, when the drink first became popular, I went to the store in search of the ingredients. Down the juice aisle at my local Publix, each shelf was stocked with rows of cranberry, apple, beet, tomato, various V8 and prune juice. But when I reached the organic juice shelf, an entire section was completely empty. The tart cherry juice was gone. Read more: Replace Melatonin With These 7 Popular All-Natural Sleep Aids The tart cherry juice was flying off the shelves. Caroline Igo/CNET This isn't a one-off experience. This seems to happen whenever there's a new viral TikTok trend. Whether it's fashion or an intriguing skincare trend, TikTok drives people in waves to new products. Not all TikTok trends are safe -- take the Nyquil Chicken videos, for example. So, is the "sleepy girl mocktail" even a good idea? I've been writing about all things sleep for years now. Here's a sleep expert's take on the Sleepy Girl Mocktail, and if I think it's worth stalking your local grocery store for new shipments of tart cherry juice. What is the Sleepy Girl Mocktail? While the original creator, Gracie Norton, first posted the Sleepy Girl Mocktail recipe in March of 2023, the trend seemed to pick up again around Dry January. TikTok creators were sharing their favorite mocktail recipes, and this brought the Sleepy Girl Mocktail back into the conversation. While the mocktail looks like an everyday non-alcoholic drink, its ingredients encourage restful sleep. This drink is simple to make. First, start with a glass -- this could be a cocktail glass, a wine glass or an ordinary glass -- and fill it with about half a cup of tart cherry juice. It's important to get tart cherry juice that's not full of added sugar; it should be 100% pure cherry juice, ideally not from concentrate. Then, mix in about a teaspoon to a tablespoon of magnesium powder and top it off with ice and sparkling water or a soda of your choice. Creators tend to use prebiotic soda -- Olipop or Poppi are options we've seen -- which contain less sugar and have some gut-friendly benefits. These measurements are not exact. You can add as much cherry juice or sparkling water as you like. It's important to follow the recommended serving size of your chosen magnesium supplement, as some people may react to too much magnesium initially. Sleepy Girl Mocktail ingredients Ice Half a cup of tart cherry juice A teaspoon to a tablespoon of magnesium powder Sparkling water or soda (usually Olipop Poppi How does tart cherry juice help you sleep? While all cherries contain small amounts of melatonin, tart cherries seem to contain more and may even improve your sleep quality and insomnia. According to a 2018 study exploring the effects of tart cherry juice on insomnia, the juice contained tryptophan that increased sleep time and sleep efficiency in insomnia patients. Tryptophan, also found in foods like turkey and whole milk, is an amino acid that helps the body make melatonin. In layman's terms, tart cherry juice contains naturally occurring amino acids that help tell the body when it is time to go to sleep. How does magnesium help you sleep? Tart cherry juice isn't the only sleep-inducing ingredient in the Sleepy Girl Mocktail. The added magnesium supplements also have an impact on sleep. Magnesium is an essential mineral that the body uses to support the immune system, produce energy, maintain healthy bones and muscles and even keep the heartbeat regular. There are over 300 biochemical functions throughout the body that require magnesium. In addition, magnesium may aid in calming your nervous system and possibly reduce cortisol levels in the body. It may also increase melatonin production in the body. Studies have shown that it can increase sleep and help those having difficulty falling asleep. What type of magnesium is best for sleep? When choosing your magnesium supplement for your Sleepy Girl Mocktail, there are a few options. Magnesium glycinate is best for sleeping. This type aids in relaxation and is easily absorbed into the body. Try to steer clear of magnesium oxide, because that is used mainly to relieve constipation. My experience with the viral sleep trend Since I live close to a grocery store, I checked nearly every day for tart cherry juice to come back in stock. A week passed and either I missed it or TikTok had cleared out my local Publix of all tart cherry juice for the foreseeable future. I begrudgingly ended up buying a bottle on Amazon instead (it's cheaper to buy in-store). Once my Amazon package arrived, I was finally able to try out a Sleepy Girl Mocktail for myself. Caroline Igo/CNET I made my first mocktail about an hour and a half before bed. I first took two capsules of magnesium -- since I didn't have any powdered magnesium -- and got out a wine glass and ingredients. I poured about half of a cup of organic tart cherry juice into my glass and filled it up with ice. Lastly, I topped it off with an orange-flavored Poppi. It tasted like a fruit punch. Despite its name, the cherry juice is sweet. I was expecting it to taste similar to bitter, like pure cranberry juice -- which I often drink (mixed with water) for its health benefits. Tart cherry juice reminds me of the sweetness of grape juice. It mixes well with the flavored Poppi that I chose, as I imagine it would with any fruit-flavored drink. While I can't speak to how it tastes with powdered magnesium, the sleepy mocktail did taste like a mocktail. It was sweet and pleasant. I was surprised to find that it was even a bit too sweet for me, especially right before bed. I'm someone who chooses savory over sweet, so it might be the perfect amount of sweetness for someone else. About 30 minutes later, I felt tired. It felt like I'd taken 5 mg of melatonin and was ready for bed. I immediately fell asleep that night. Does the Sleepy Girl Mocktail work? Caroline Igo/CNET The Sleepy Girl Mocktail really did help me fall asleep. Its two main ingredients -- tart cherry juice and magnesium -- have been scientifically proven to induce sleepiness. Tart cherry juice increases melatonin production, and magnesium decreases cortisol, promotes relaxation and sleep and regulates GABA production in the brain. You don't necessarily need to mix the two to feel the effects. You can take one without the other and vice versa. Together, the ingredients are a safe, effective and natural sleep aid. While I found the mocktail too sweet to drink every night, I plan on swapping the Poppi for seltzer water. That should help cut back on the sugar. If you don't want to spike your blood sugar before bed, herbal teas, especially those containing chamomile or valerian root, are a good alternative. Herbal tea is another natural sleep aid, and chamomile and valerian root have been proven to promote relaxation and sleep. Overall, the Sleepy Girl Mocktail is a simple drink that anyone can enjoy. If you don't want to take a melatonin supplement at night, this easy and natural sleep aid could suit you. Talk to your doctor before mixing any medications, such as blood pressure medications, with tart cherry juice.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Stay Healthy on Your Next Trip With Our Wellness Editors' Must-Have Travel Essentials
Summer is approaching, which means it's almost peak travel season -- and it's no secret that travel can be tough on our bodies. Sharing close quarters with others on a plane and in public spaces exposes your immune system to new germs and viruses. Tack on increased stress and changes in your sleep and diet, and your body may not be happy. Our wellness editors at CNET constantly test new health products and trends to see what works. Here are the tried-and-true items in our bags to keep us in tip-top shape, along with some expert travel tips. CNET wellness editors' top travel essentials Nature Made Collagen Gummies "I hate being sick while I travel, so I like to take daily vitamins. I try to take Nature Made's Collagen Gummies every day, but I'm especially on top of it the week before I travel," says Caroline Igo, wellness editor. "The gummies taste like citrus candy and contain vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc and biotin. In addition to boosting collagen production, these vitamins and minerals play crucial roles in supporting a healthy immune system." To boost your immunity before your next trip, check out the best multivitamins of 2025. Amazon/CNET See at Amazon Beekeeper's Naturals Propolis Throat Spray "Whenever I travel, I make sure I have this throat spray with me to provide immune support and soothe my throat. It contains bee propolis with vitamin C, B vitamins, iron, antioxidants and other beneficial compounds. The product is also third-party lab tested to ensure it doesn't contain pesticides or chemicals. However, while propolis has shown potential as a treatment for human diseases, more studies are needed. Regardless, I still enjoy taking it and find that it does soothe my throat after a long, dry flight," says Anna Gragert, wellness editor. Amazon/CNET See at Amazon Barrière Travel Patches "As someone who takes a handful of vitamins daily, I dislike taking bulky boxes to store them when I travel. I like that these patches fit anywhere in my backpack or luggage, and I don't have to worry about finding extra space for them. I also struggle with swallowing big pills, so the fact that I can just place it on my skin is a plus for me," says Nasha Addarich Martínez, managing editor. Barrière's peel-and-stick patches release the ingredients over 8 to 12 hours. Its Travel Well Patches include ashwagandha, horse chestnut, elderberry extract, vitamin D3 and zinc citrate -- all intended to support immunity and circulation while combating stress and tiredness. Barrière/CNET See at Barrière Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphones If I could only take one item with me on my next flight, it would be the Sony WH-1000XM4 wireless headphones. Not only are they super comfortable, but their noise-canceling capabilities ease my flight anxiety (especially during turbulence). Wearing these headphones helps me tune out the world so I can relax and eventually doze off. Catching some zzz's on the plane prevents me from feeling like a walking zombie after landing. These headphones have accompanied me on every trip for the past four years and will for the foreseeable future. Read more: How I Use Noise-Canceling Headphones to Reduce Flight Anxiety Best Buy/CNET See at Best Buy TriggerPoint Core Foam Massage Roller "I always throw my foam roller in the trunk if I'm traveling by car. (If I could fit it in my carry-on on planes, I would.) After long hours of sitting in one spot, it's excellent for relieving muscle tension and loosening up the body," says Anna. Dr. Gbolahan Okubadejo, MD, spinal and orthopedic surgeon, explains, "Sitting for more than 90 minutes without movement places sustained pressure on the spinal discs, especially in the lower back. This pressure can cause the discs to lose fluid, reducing disc height and limiting the ability to absorb shock." Simple micro-movements you can practice during long-distance travels include shoulder rolls, heel lifts, pelvic tilts, neck nods, weight shifting, shoulder blade squeezes and elongating your spine. Amazon/CNET See at Amazon Wet Ones Sensitive Skin Hand Wipes "I use the Wet Ones sensitive skin hand wipes regularly and during travel because they are gentle enough to use on my toddler. After a day at the park or in a public area where we've been touching everything, these wipes are convenient and a good soap-free alternative. They also come in single packets, so I don't have to worry about them drying out," says Giselle Castro-Sloboda, fitness and nutrition writer. Amazon/CNET See at Amazon Kirkland Signature Aller-Flex "My allergies spike whenever I travel to a new place with different plants and trees than I'm used to. That's why I always travel with allergy pills to ensure I can enjoy my trip, rather than sneeze the whole time. If you have allergies, you know how expensive allergy medicine can be, especially if you pick it up at a grocery store. I recommend the Kirkland Signature Aller-Flex antihistamine because it's the same active ingredient as the popular brand Allegra, but for much cheaper. I can get a 180-day supply for only $34 rather than $28 for only 70 tablets," says Taylor Leamey, senior wellness writer. Read more: Allergy Season Survival Guide: Symptoms and Relief Tips Kirkland/CNET See at Amazon Loop Switch 2 Earplugs "I like to use earplugs whenever I travel by train or am on a plane (plus, they help me sleep better, too). I like that these earplugs snap onto your keychain so you don't forget them, and the design makes it look more like an accessory than an earplug. They offer three modes and multiple ear tips to ensure they're extra comfortable," says Nasha. For more, check out our roundup of the best earplugs in 2025. Loop/CNET See at Loop Systane Dry Eye Drops "I have dry eyes as it is, but traveling always makes my eyes feel like a desert. That's why I carry these preservative-free eye drops in my bag. They were also named CNET's best over-the-counter eye drops for dry eyes," says Anna. Amazon/CNET See at Amazon SkinSmart Antimicrobial Eczema Spray "When I travel, I wash my hands as often as possible or sanitize them with a bottle of hand sanitizer. However, I have eczema-prone skin, and my hands, especially, are sensitive to repetitive washing, alcohol and other strong ingredients. I recently switched to SkinSmart Antimicrobial Eczema Therapy spray and noticed quite a difference. My hands don't get red, itchy and dried out. It doesn't contain steroids, alcohol or any fragrance, and it even calms scratchy skin. Made of pure hypochlorous acid, the spray kills 70% of bacteria linked to eczema. While it isn't entirely a switch for hand sanitizer, it is helpful to use afterward or in between. Best of all, it is accepted by the National Eczema Association," says Caroline. Amazon/CNET See at Amazon Airborne Immune Support Tablets The days before a trip, I take the Airborne Immune Support Fizzy Drink Tablets to ensure I'm getting sufficient vitamin C and zinc. I also bring the little tube and pop a tablet in my water throughout my travels to give my immune system the extra boost it needs. If I have any early signs of sore throat or congestion, these tablets help kick the symptoms to the curb. I also like the orange flavor and enjoy its fun, fizzy sensation. Read more: The Best Food Sources for Every Vitamin You Need From A to K Amazon/CNET See at Amazon Touchland Hand Sanitizer Spray "Another wellness essential always with me everywhere I go -- especially when traveling -- is a bottle of hand sanitizer. While any hand sanitizer works great, I love the Touchland ones because they are quick and easy to spray, smell good and are hydrating. It's perfect for when an airport or plane bathroom is out of soap," says Anna. Amazon/CNET See at Amazon Sprouts Women's Daily Probiotic Probiotics can improve your gut microbiome and help keep bowel movements regular, which is why they're part of my travel essentials. One of my least favorite side effects of taking a trip is getting "off schedule." I try to take probiotics as regularly as possible, but I always take them consistently in the weeks leading up to and during a trip. While traveling, you often eat food and drink water that your body is not accustomed to. A well-balanced gut microbiome can help prevent digestive issues and even promote stronger immune functioning, contributing to a more enjoyable experience. I have been taking the Sprouts Women's Daily Probiotic 20 Billion CFU, and they've made a noticeable difference. Check out our roundup of the best probiotic supplements for other quality recommendations. Sprouts/CNET See at Sprouts Wet Ones Antibacterial Hand Wipes "I never travel anywhere without a pack of antibacterial hand wipes in my purse. Whether on a plane or train or driving in a rental car, I will use these wipes to clean my seat and every surrounding surface. You'd be surprised how dirty I've seen these wipes get from cleaning a tray table on an airplane," explains Anna. Studies show that some of the germiest places in airports and on airplanes are the self-check-in touch screens, lavatory surfaces (such as the flush button), tray tables, seat back pockets and overhead storage latches. Amazon/CNET See at Amazon Tips for staying healthy before and during your travels In addition to using our favorite wellness products while traveling, there are other simple measures you can take to ensure your best health possible. Dr. Barbara Bawer, family medicine physician at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, recommends the following: Choose a window seat (over middle or aisle) to minimize exposure to others Wear a mask when using public transport and in crowded areas Wash your hands consistently and wipe down surfaces with alcohol or wet wipes Eat well-balanced meals leading up to and during your travels Stay hydrated and always have water accessible Carry healthy snacks like fruits and vegetables instead of snacks high in sugar or salt Keep the same level of physical activity you had before instead of stopping completely Make sure to get adequate sleep leading up to your travels Plan your travel so that you can sleep when you normally would (such as an overnight flight) Give yourself time to get acclimated to the new location instead of compromising on sleep Cole Kan/CNET/Amazon/Getty Images Why does traveling make you sick? Sharing public spaces: You can get sick during and after travel for many reasons. One of the most common reasons is being surrounded by more people than usual, often "in enclosed spaces with others who may be passing things on to you when sneezing, coughing, etc.," says Bawer. Lack of quality sleep: Traveling can cause your immune system to kick into overdrive due to higher stress levels and lack of sleep. Changing time zones affects your circadian rhythm, which in turn affects sleep patterns. Not getting enough quality rest can weaken your immune system, so it's important to prioritize sleep while you're traveling. Changes in diet: "Most people do not eat well-balanced or nutritious meals when they are traveling. Many will also increase the amount of alcohol they consume or other substances, which can increase our chances of exposure to pathogens and weaken the immune system," Bawer explains. Check the country's travel requirements Bawer also emphasized the importance of staying up-to-date on immunizations, especially if you're traveling to a different country. "Every country may have different recommendations for vaccinations based on where you are going, even within one country or the time of year. Many travel clinics can provide you with these vaccines and scripts for things like traveler's diarrhea or motion sickness medication to have on hand. Your physician's office can also help with some of these, but please note they often do not carry more specialized vaccines, as these often have to be obtained through a specific travel clinic," says Bawer.
