A new study shows that drinking cherry juice is a natural way to ease insomnia symptoms in older adults, according to the National Sleep Foundation.
Because cherries contain melatonin, consistently consuming tart cherries may help regulate the body’s natural sleep cycle and increase sleep efficiency. Although drinking cherry juice is not as effective as prescription or over-the-counter sleep aids, it may increase the body’s natural supply of melatonin.
Fifteen people were included in the study, and they drank eight ounces of a tart cherry juice drink in the morning and evening for two weeks. Participants experienced significant reductions in insomnia severity. Compared to when they were not drinking the juice.
Insomnia symptoms include difficulty falling or staying asleep, un-refreshing sleep or waking up too early. These problems can be caused by anxiety, a change of routine or travel. Often, neither the patient nor the physician can pinpoint exactly what instigated the insomnia.
If you are having difficulty sleeping, making small changes in your sleep habits may help. Going to bed and waking up every day at the same time, avoiding exercise and alcohol before bed and cooling the temperature in your bedroom may improve the quality of your sleep.
If the sleep problem persists for more than six weeks, you should visit a sleep specialist, who will be able to provide you with the best treatment options. The doctor may prescribe sleep aids, or may advise that you partake in cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Untreated insomnia is associated with decreased attention and awareness and increased risk for weight gain, extreme mood changes, and even increased mortality risks over the long run.
Insomnia can be challenging to both the patient and the physician, but if they work together with a creative approach, then the patient usually can make great improvements.
