Cherries to Help Sleep

Proper levels of melatonin are essential to obtaining that ever-elusive night of restful sleep. Generally, the body makes its own melatonin. It is produced by the pineal gland, which is right in the middle of the brain.

Melatonin is often created in response to sunlight. More melatonin is made when the sun goes down, and less is naturally created during the day when we’re more awake and alert.

However, for those of us who are indoors more often than we’d like – or for those of us who use blue-light electronic devices (like smartphones) – proper melatonin production can become a problem, leading to the need for supplements.

However, melatonin supplements can interfere with other medications. This is why some people are turning to natural remedies like using cherries to help sleep.

Using Cherries to Help Sleep

There are very few foods that contain melatonin, the chemical that helps to regulate our bodies’ internal clock. However, cherries are surprisingly filled with it! Generally, tart Montmorency cherries tend to have the most melatonin in them, which makes them a popular bedtime snack for those who suffer from insomnia – along with people that are trying to combat the effects of jetlag.

Tart cherries also contain tryptophan, which is important for better sleep and can even act as an appetite suppressant. This makes tart cherry juice a drink of choice for people who are looking to lose weight.

However, it’s important to keep moderation in mind. Some suggest that drinking up to two cups of cherry juice a day will raise melatonin levels in the body.

However, even very tart, unsweetened cherry juice can be high in calories at 159 calories per cup with 33 grams of sugar. For those who are struggling with both weight management and sleep, there could be a fine line between too much and not enough.