Social media influencers love to rave about their “life-changing” tips, tricks, and hacks, right?
But all too often, it’s shaky pseudoscience that goes viral (sorry,  rubbing a banana peel on your face won’t give you wrinkle-free skin). But sometimes their recommendations have a scientific basis. And it could work, at least in theory.

This also applies to the so-called “Sleepy Girl Mocktail” circulating online. Proponents claim that the combination of tart cherry juice, magnesium powder, sparkling mixers such as carbonated water and prebiotic lemonade is “a heavenly combination for a  good night’s sleep.”

And it might actually be helpful. 

“There’s solid science to support the idea that drinking these drinks can help you relax and fall asleep faster,” says Devon Pert, registered dietitian at MHSc. “But it’s not a cure for insomnia or a sure-fire antidote to sleep deprivation.”

It’s also worth noting that the social media-driven Sleepy Girl Mocktail’s name is based on the self-identified “girl” influencer of the same name who started sharing it. Mocktails work the same regardless of your gender or the gender you were assigned at birth.

What is the Sleepy Girl Cocktail? Should it be part of your bedtime routine? Peart explains.

What is the sleepy girl mocktail?

The basic recipe for the sleepy girl mocktail is simple:

1/2 cup pure tart cherry juice.
1 tablespoon of magnesium powder.
A bit of fizzy drink to cut it, like a prebiotic soda or sparkling water.
Simply stir, sip and sleep tight (or so the story goes).

How the sleepy girl mocktail affects sleep
The ratios and the fizzy stuff used in sleepy girl mocktail recipes can vary a bit, but the important parts — tart cherry juice and magnesium powder — are the stars. And both these ingredients have been shown in some limited research to support relaxation and promote sleep.

Tart cherries, also called Montmorency cherries, come with some additional nutrients, which have given them a reputation for bringing on better sleep:

Naturally high amounts of melatonin, the “sleepy hormone.”
Tryptophan, an amino acid used in the production of serotonin and melatonin. (It’s also why you might associate your turkey dinner with sleepiness.)

The other main ingredient in the sleepy girl mocktail is magnesium powder.

“Magnesium is involved in hundreds of different reactions in your body. It’s used for lots of different things,” Peart shares. “It’s a fairly common supplement that a lot of people use. And one of its benefits is that it may promote physical and mental relaxation (a sense of calm), which could make magnesium a helpful sleep aid for some people.”

Sleep is a critical part of keeping your body and your mind healthy. So, it’s important to find ways to make sure you’re getting the rest you need.