Tart cherry juice may serve as a natural sleep aid

Research suggests that tart cherry juice, particularly the Montmorency variety, may serve as a natural aid for sleep disorders. These cherries contain melatonin, a hormone that regulates the human circadian rhythm.

In addition to melatonin, tart cherries contain the amino acid tryptophan, which is essential for the body's production of serotonin and melatonin. Nutritionist Beth Czerwony, citing reports from the Cleveland Clinic, notes that certain enzymes in tart cherries help keep tryptophan in the body longer. This process may help individuals not only fall asleep faster but also increase total sleep duration.