Do you find it hard to sleep? Check out the power of Cherry Juice
If you are autistic or have ADHD you’ll know just how hard it can be to get to sleep. A recent TikTok trend was sparked after a viral video with over 197k views by @missalanablack shares how Tart Cherry Juice gave her the best night’s sleep.
How does this work?
The Montmorency Tart Cherry fruit has served many people from all walks of life for centuries. The Tart Cherry is native to the Carpathian Basin, where it is a common wild and cultivated tree.
Studies have shown that Montmorency cherries can improve sleep parameters such as duration and quality, due to its naturally high Melatonin levels, which autistic people or those with ADHD can often be lacking in.
In a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design, 20 volunteers consumed either a placebo or tart cherry for 7 days.
The results
The results showed significant increase in melatonin in the cherry group, whilst no differences were shown between baseline and placebo trials. There were significant increases in time in bed, total sleep time and sleep efficiency total with cherry supplementation. Tart Cherries also contain Tryptophan, a precursor of Serotonin which has shown to reduce sleep latency in humans.
As well as providing melatonin, tart cherries have an impressive nutrient profile. They contain high levels of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory flavonoids, which may be beneficial for physically active people, as they help to boost endurance sport performance, while also restoring the body.
In a study, runners given 16 ounces (480 ml) of cherry juice in the days leading up to and immediately following a marathon experienced less muscle damage, soreness and inflammation.
Why autistic people find it hard to sleep
According to the National Autistic Society there are many reasons why autistic people find it hard to get to sleep. This may also be the case if you have ADHD.
Why might I struggle to sleep?
Many autistic people are likely to suffer from disturbed sleep patterns at some point in their lives.
Reasons for this could include:
having difficulty settling, winding down and going to sleep
waking repeatedly during the night, or having difficulty getting back to sleep after waking up to go to the toilet
increased anxiety or an inability to relax causing insomnia
social cueing problems, where you don’t make the connection between others in the house going to bed and their own need to sleep
irregular secretion of the sleep hormone melatonin, which regulates sleep patterns, or having atypical circadian rhythms (body clock)
neurological conditions such as epilepsy
sensory differences, such as increased sensitivity to blue light from smart phones, laptops and other screens, or sensitivity to certain sounds or white noise, which may be upsetting or distracting and keep you awake
problems caused by food allergies, which could cause gastrointestinal issues and discomfort, or increased sensitivity to caffeine or other stimulants, which can disturb sleep
hypersomnia - sleeping too much. Increased exhaustion could be caused by the additional stress autistic people experience in social situations
Earth’s Secret Sleep Complex
Earths Secret’s Sleep Complex blends Ayurvedic herbs with all-natural ingredients that can help you relax, rest, and wake up rejuvenated.
When taken before bedtime, the Affron Saffron, Passion Flower, Tart Cherry, Lavender, and Chamomile combine to relax you, readying your body to drift off comfortably until morning.
Have you tried cherry juice? If so, let us know if it helped you drift off to the land of nod.