Is your TikTok feed flooded with sleepy girl mocktails too? We’ve been getting so many questions about whether these trendy drinks are actually good for sleep, and we’re here to break it down for you! And if you haven’t heard of sleepy girl mocktails, don’t worry, we’ll fill you in. In this post, discover the sleep-inducing ingredients in these sleepy girl mocktails, our favorite recipes, and the science behind it all.
What are Sleepy Girl Mocktails?
Sleepy girl mocktails are exactly what they sound like – a sparkling drink made before bed to improve your sleep, but with a touch of pizazz and sophistication. Originating from TikTok, the trend has amazing research backing its effectiveness.
Now, if you’re skeptical about the trustworthiness of a trend that started on TikTok, you’re not alone. But here’s the good news: this trend has some scientific backing!
But first, let’s take a look at why catching those zzs isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity for your health.
The reason why sleep is so important
Picture this: sleep is like your body’s backstage crew working tirelessly to ensure everything runs smoothly for the next big show, which is your day. Now, let’s break down why this behind-the-scenes action is critical, backed by some research.
Immune Health
Ever wonder why a solid night’s sleep seems to do the trick when you’re feeling under the weather? Good, studies have found that sleep acts as your body’s superhero cape against infection. It’s like a shield, reducing your risk of getting sick and helping your body fight an infection.
Specifically, when your immune system is activated when fighting a virus or infection it affects duration and intensity of sleep, making your body want to sleep more to support your immunity and defense mechanisms. In fact, sleep is associated with reduced risk of infection and recovery of infection Results!
Hormones, stress and food cravings
Think of your body as a symphony and hormones are the conductors. When you sleep, these conductors tune their orchestra, making sure everything is in harmony. But mess with the conductor’s baton (aka lack of sleep) and you can feel moodier, stressed, and even crave food. This is because Sleep is closely related to your hormones such as cortisol (your stress hormone), ghrelin (your hunger hormone) and leptin (your fullness hormone).
Skin health
Sleep can also affect your skin, hence the phrase ‘beauty rest’. Here are some examples of how your skin can be affected by your sleeping habits:
- Outbreaks: Have you ever noticed breakouts when your stress levels are through the roof? Blame it on cortisol, the stress hormone. According to Dr. Sperling, when cortisol is elevated, it can lead to increased oil production, causing them to break out. A good night’s sleep is like a cortisol chill pill, helping to keep its levels in check. So, get a good night’s rest and you might wake up with a happy mood and clearer skin.
- Anti aging: Not sleeping is like telling your skin to skip its nighttime beauty routine. Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body and for good reason! It works as the scaffolding for your skin, providing structure, smoothness and elasticity. Collagen gets a serious boost during the night shift. So, hit the hay to keep those wrinkles at bay.
- Skin hydration and elasticity: An interesting one study looked at the impact of sleep deprivation on skin health and the results were quite shocking. Skin hydration decreased significantly after one day of sleep deprivation and continued to decrease the more days of sleep deprivation the participants had. In addition, the skin’s luster and elasticity significantly worsened after a day of sleep deprivation. Finally, skin texture was affected after the 4th day of sleep deprivation.
So grab your sleep girl cocktail from below, relax, and let your body’s backstage crew do their nighttime wonders.
The Mocktail Essentials That Make You OH SO SLEEPY
Tart cherry juice
Montmorency tart cherries are rich in melatonin, a critical hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle, makes you sleepy, and tells you it’s time to sleep! Many studies have shown increased melatonin levels with tart cherry juice intake, improving sleep time and efficiency.
ONE randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study (aka the gold standard), found that those who consumed tart cherry juice before bed were in bed longer, slept longer and had better sleep quality.
If that’s not enough, more placebo-controlled crossover study looked at the effect of tart cherry juice on people with insomnia. This study found that drinking cherry juice before bed increased sleep time and efficiency.
Magnesium
Magnesium is also a buzzword in the health space right now. It is a mineral that we all need and we can get it through food depending on the richness of magnesium in the soil in which the food is grown. However, statistics estimate that up to 75% of the US population doesn’t get enough magnesium and it turns out that magnesium also affects sleep quality.
ONE systematic evaluation examined the relationship between magnesium and sleep quality. According to observational studies, magnesium was associated with improved sleep quality, including sleepiness and sleep duration. One explanation is that magnesium appears to be a cofactor for the synthesis of melatonin. However, the randomized clinical trials reveal a more uncertain relationship.
Not all forms of magnesium are created equal. The evidence leans towards magnesium disglycinate for optimal impact on sleep.
Prebiotics
Another key ingredient in Sleepy Girls Mocktails that ties it all together: like prebiotic soda Olipop the ducks.
Why it helps sleep: Healthy sodas with prebiotics are gaining popularity. Prebiotics support digestive health, and there is a fascinating connection between the gut microbiome, skin health and sleep.
Studies show a positive correlation between microbiome diversity and increased sleep efficiency. So the more sleep you get the more likely you are to support your gut microbiome and vice versa.
In addition, the beneficial effects of gut bacteria on skin health and appearance have been documented in several studies with gut microbiome affecting the skin microbiome. So it’s win-win-win!
3 Tik Tok Viral Sleepy Girl Mocktail Recipes – Dietitian Approved, Ofc!
Recipe 1: Midnight Cherry Spritz
- 0.5 oz maple syrup
- 1 ounce lemon juice
- 1 ounce lime juice
- 8 oz tart cherry juice
- 1 sprig of rosemary
- 1 knob of ginger
- 1 handful of mint
- Sprinkle with cinnamon
- Ice
Directions: Mix together maple syrup, grated ginger, mint, rosemary and cinnamon. Add lemon/lime juice and cherry juice. Garnish with cinnamon and rosemary.
Recipe 2: Sleepy Girl Mocktail
- 1 scoop of magnesium powder
- Ginger lemon OR lemon-lime Olipop – ⅓ glass
- Sour cherry juice – ⅔ of the glass remains
Directions: Fill ⅓ of your glass with prebiotic soda of your choice. Fill the rest of the glass with tart cherry juice. Mix in a scoop of magnesium powder.
Recipe 3: Cherry and Thyme Ranch Water Mocktail
- 6-8 pitted cherries
- A few sprigs thyme (removed from the stem)
- 0.5 oz maple syrup
- 1-2 oz tart cherry juice
- ½ lime, juice
- Top the topo chico
Instructions: Wash and pit the cherries. Juice of ½ lime. Add lime juice, cherries, tart cherry juice, maple syrup and thyme to glass. Top with Topo Chico.
Supplements to get your Beauty zzZzs
Beauty zzZz Gummies
Beauty zzZz Gummies are a dual benefit formula for better sleep and digestion. It’s made with melatonin (which helps improve your sleep quality), FOS prebiotic fiber (for gut health and regularity) and a blend of calming botanicals like chamomile, lemon balm and passion flower (for relaxation).
Mighty Night
Mighty Night is a product that works overnight to support cell turnover, scavenge free radicals and promote optimal sleep—resulting in fresh, rested skin. You can think of it as an internal serum that complements your existing nightly skin and sleep routines.
Wrapping it up with a mocktail
Incorporating sleep-friendly ingredients into trendy mocktails is a fun way to do nighttime self-care activities. Try these recipes and consider adding Beauty zzZz or Mighty Night to your routine for an extra boost in promoting restful sleep. Sweet dreams!
