In the realm of TikTok trends, there’s one recipe video theme promising better sleep: the sleepy girl mocktail. First posted by TikTok creator Calee Shea in January 2023, the video style went viral again by Gracie Norton, which racked up over a million views.
Since last year, TikTokers everywhere are mixing up their sleepy-girl mocktails. There’s a real thirst for better sleep, and this drink seems like it just might be the answer to falling asleep.
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How to make the sleepy girl mocktail
Want to make your own sleepy girl mocktail at home? You’ll need a few ingredients and a large glass.
Ingredients:
- Handful ice
- ½ cup tart cherry juice
- 1 tbsp magnesium powder
- Splash sparkling water (Shea and Norton use Olipop, and I used a Zevia)
Instructions:
- Fill glass with ice.
- Pour in tart cherry juice. Add magnesium powder and stir well.
- Top with sparkling water.
Melatonin and magnesium: secret nutrients in the sleepy girl mocktail
Tart cherry juice contains melatonin, a natural sleep hormone. Studies show that when melatonin is taken as a supplement, it combines with the melatonin already in our bodies to help us fall asleep even faster.
And magnesium, according to the Sleep Foundation, may relax the central nervous system and help you feel sleepy.
Choose your magnesium wisely
Not everyone on TikTok is convinced that this sleepy mocktail is healthy, though. One creator posted that the mocktail had them glued to the toilet the next day. Mocktail Mom breaks it down for us:
Not all magnesium powders are created equal, so read the supplement label. As stated by the National Institute of Health, “high doses of magnesium from dietary supplements or medications often result in diarrhea that can be accompanied by nausea and abdominal cramping. Forms of magnesium most commonly reported to cause diarrhea include magnesium citrate, carbonate, chloride, gluconate, and oxide.” Note: Magnesium glycinate isn’t associated with those side effects.
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Does the sleepy girl mocktail actually work?
The comments on social tell a mixed story. Some folks are skeptical about chugging all that liquid before hitting the hay. “I’d be making trips to the bathroom all night,” one joked. Others swear by cherry juice alone, or magnesium pills, give a solid night’s sleep.
Cooley has since posted an update on her experience with the mocktail, saying that while it helped her relax before bed, but she had very vivid dreams due to the increase in melatonin.
Thinking about giving the sleepy girl mocktail a shot? Like with any TikTok trend, consult your health care provider first before doing any supplements to find out if your body can handle it.