How to Eat Your Way to a Better Night’s Sleep

May 4, 2017

Tweet

In today’s day and age who couldn’t use more sleep?

More than a 33 percent of U.S. adults are not getting enough sleep on a regular basis,[ref]Liu Y, Wheaton AG, Chapman DP, Cunningham TJ, Lu H, Croft JB. Prevalence of Healthy Sleep Duration among Adults– United States, 2014. Morbidity and Morality Weekly Report; 65:137-141. [/ref] and sales of over-the-counter sleep aids are on the rise.[ref]Persistence Market Research. Global Market Study on Sleep Aids. 2015.[/ref]

A recent survey[ref]Cherry Marketing Institute. Online survey conducted by Harris Poll among 2,192 U.S. adults ages 18 and older surrounding state of America’s slumber. January 9-11, 2017.[/ref] commissioned by the Cherry Marketing Institute and conducted online by Harris Poll among more than 2,000 adults suggests Americans may be open to alternate sleep solutions.

Click here for an infographic highlighting the survey results.

One natural method that won’t require a trip down the pharmaceutical aisle is Montmorency tart cherry juice, which has been scientifically studied for its ability to improve sleep quality and duration. Montmorency tart cherries are one of the few food sources of melatonin, a sleep-regulating hormone.

Here are noteworthy statistics from the survey:

• 83% of Americans would prefer to improve their sleep through diet rather than using over-the counter sleep aids
• 74% expressed concern about the effects over-the-counter sleep aids may have on their bodies
• 77% of Americans would be open to drinking fruit juice as opposed to taking a supplement to incorporate melatonin into their diet.
• Yet, only 13% of Americans realize tart cherries – which are available year-round in juice form – naturally contain melatonin

Melatonin and sleep

“Melatonin plays a big role in the sleep equation,” said nationally renowned sleep expert Dr. Michael Breus. “Without it, our bodies aren’t triggered to regulate the sleep cycle and therefore, we can’t get the rest we need. One simple, and delicious, way to incorporate melatonin into your sleep routine is with Montmorency tart cherry juice. Research has shown adding two glasses of Montmorency tart cherry juice to your daily routine can improve your sleep quality and duration.”

The sleep benefits of Montmorency tart cherries

Once known primarily as a pie ingredient, Montmorency tart cherries have now been studied more than any other type of cherry. Research suggests tart cherry juice may:

• Help improve sleep efficiency
• Reduce the severity of insomnia and sleep disturbances
• Increase sleep time

To learn more about the science behind the sleep benefits of Montmorency tart cherries, click here.