By Ashima Sharda Mahindra

Copyright timesnownews

Insomnia, disrupted, or uninterrupted sleep can cause havoc with your health, leading to many chronic diseases and illnesses. While there are many ways to treat it and get sound sleep, one thing that is going viral on the internet – the Sleepy Girl Mocktail – is something you can try and find great results with. Also known as a magnesium mocktail, the drink is a combination of tart cherry juice, magnesium powder, and a fizzy mixer like sparkling water – popularly known as a match made in heaven for good sleep. It is also worth noting that the social media-fuelled sleepy girl mocktail’s name is based on the influencers who started sharing it. Experts say the mocktail can work for you regardless of your sex. How does it work? According to doctors, the juice of tart cherries is packed with melatonin – a hormone that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle, along with tryptophan, an amino acid precursor for serotonin and melatonin. Also, magnesium leads to many biochemical reactions in your body and has an important role to play in muscle relaxation, nerve transmission, and stress in your body. And while tart cherries can promote better sleep, they also have many anti-inflammatory effects, which are highly beneficial in lowering stress hormones. Popping a few tart cherries before bedtime may also bring on some relaxation and help you get some ZZZs, but fresh tart cherries can be hard to come by. Also, for magnesium, experts suggest taking magnesium glycinate as a first choice for promoting relaxation. Others, like magnesium citrate, are more likely to have a laxative effect, which can derail your sleep goals. However, experts say the mocktail is not a cure for insomnia and sleep-related issues and should only be considered as one of the natural ways to help you snooze comfortably. The ingredients in this mocktail help you relax, drink, and slow down, avoid screens, and have a regular bedtime – all of which play a strong role in helping your body transition to sleep. How to make the Sleepy Girl mocktail? The basic recipe for the Sleepy Girl mocktail, which you can easily make at home, is simple: Half a cup of pure tart cherry juice A 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. Other natural ways to regulate sleep Make your bedroom dark by using blackout curtains, an eye mask, or other blinds. Use earplugs or a white noise machine to minimise disruptive sounds. Keep your bedroom cool. Ensure your mattress and pillows are comfortable. Form a bedtime consistency where you wake up and sleep around the same time. Engage in calming activities before bed, like taking a warm shower, reading a book, or listening to soft music.