Discovering Cheribundi: Natural Tart Cherry Juice for Better Sleep

• Posted in Expo West

One of the standout finds at Natural Products Expo West 2024 was Cheribundi – 100% Natural Tart Cherry Juice. I received a sample of Cheribundi 100% Tart Cherry Juice Sleep Concentrate Grab & Go, a 2 Fluid Ounce Pouch for Maximum Recovery with 40 Tart Cherries. They touted it as promoting Maximum Recovery.

That evening, when I drank it before bedtime, I found myself getting very sleepy within about an hour, and that night, I slept better than I had in a long time.

Cheribundi offers various types of juice, but the one I tried, SLEEP, contains 100% Natural Tart Cherry Juice with 3mg of melatonin and magnesium. Both melatonin and magnesium are known for inducing sleep, and it turns out that tart cherry juice itself naturally contains melatonin.

Tart cherry juice is often touted for its potential to improve sleep quality, primarily due to its high concentration of certain compounds that may influence sleep patterns. Here are some reasons why tart cherry may help with better sleep:

1. Melatonin Content: Tart cherries are one of the few natural food sources of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Melatonin levels rise in the evening, signaling to the body that it’s time to sleep. Consuming tart cherry juice may boost melatonin levels, helping to regulate sleep patterns.
2. Anti-inflammatory Properties: Tart cherries contain various antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, such as anthocyanins and flavonoids. Chronic inflammation has been linked to sleep disturbances, so consuming foods rich in anti-inflammatory compounds, like tart cherries, may help improve sleep quality.
3. Regulation of Circadian Rhythm: The body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm, plays a crucial role in regulating sleep-wake cycles. Certain compounds in tart cherries may help synchronize the circadian rhythm, promoting better sleep quality and duration.
4. Reduction of Oxidative Stress: Oxidative stress, caused by an imbalance between antioxidants and free radicals in the body, can disrupt sleep patterns. Tart cherries’ antioxidant properties may help reduce oxidative stress, potentially improving sleep quality.
5. Potential Serotonin Boost: Tart cherries contain tryptophan, an amino acid that can increase serotonin levels in the body. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood and sleep. Higher serotonin levels may contribute to better sleep quality and mood regulation.

While it’s not comparable to over-the-counter sleep aids, for those seeking a natural solution to improve sleep, trying tart cherry juice like Cheribundi might be worth it.