Based in Sydney, Australia, Foundry is a blog by Rebecca Thao. Her posts explore modern architecture through photos and quotes by influential architects, engineers, and artists.

Sweet Dreams: The Magic of Tart Cherry Juice for a Restful Sleep

The juice of sour cherries, also known as tart cherry juice, can help give you a restful night’s sleep, reduce muscle soreness, and boost your immune system.

“Finish each day before you begin the next, and interpose a solid wall of sleep between the two.
— Ralph Waldo Emerson

In the fast-paced world we live in, quality sleep is a precious commodity. As the quest for a good night's rest continues, nature unveils its secrets, and one such discovery is the sleep-inducing power of tart cherry juice. Packed with natural compounds that promote relaxation and improve sleep quality, tart cherry juice has become a popular bedtime elixir.

Research suggests that tart cherries are a rich source of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating the sleep-wake cycle. In 2012 a study was conducted that showed the urinary output of the participants increased in melatonin. There were significant increases in time in bed, total sleep time and sleep efficiency total.

Unlike some sleep aids that come with unwanted side effects or dependency issues, tart cherry juice offers a natural and delicious alternative. Its sweet and tangy flavor makes it an enjoyable addition to your evening routine. Whether sipped on its own or mixed into a soothing bedtime tea, incorporating tart cherry juice into your nightly ritual could be the key to unlocking a restful and rejuvenating sleep.

If you are undergoing intense physical training or just starting your exercise regime and finding recovery is difficult, tart cherry juice may also be useful for you. In 2017, it was shown to lessens pain and accelerate strength recovery after exercise and decreases blood markers of inflammation/oxidative stress. Dosage varies in these trials between 240mL-360mL in it’s natural form. In a concentrated form, 30mL is recommended, twice per day.

So, if you find yourself tossing and turning, consider reaching for a glass of tart cherry juice to pave the way for sweet dreams and wake up refreshed, ready to conquer the day.