Tart Cherry Juice Sleep Remedy: 10 Proven Ways It Supports Restful Sleep
Published: February 2019 | Updated: Sept 2025
This blog post explains how tart cherry juice supports healthy sleep naturally, and why Montmorency cherries are the research-backed variety of choice.
Curious about how a simple glass of tart cherry juice can maintain healthy sleep? Research shows Montmorency tart cherries are one of nature’s richest sources of melatonin—the hormone that regulates your body’s sleep-wake cycle. This makes tart cherry juice one of the best natural remedies for maintaining a healthy night's rest.
For over 20 years, Traverse Bay Farms has helped customers nationwide discover the benefits of tart cherry juice. With 38+ national food awards, our Michigan-grown products are trusted by wellness seekers, athletes, and health professionals.
In this post, you’ll learn the science behind tart cherry juice and sleep, the difference between tart and sweet cherries, and 10 evidence-backed ways to make cherry juice part of your nightly routine.
Related: Tart Cherry Juice Buyer’s Guide
External source: NIH on melatonin and sleep
About Traverse Bay Farms
Traverse Bay Farms has earned 38+ national food awards for our fruit-based wellness products and is proud to use as much Michigan-grown fruit as possible in every bottle.
Key Facts at a Glance
-
Tart cherries are one of the only fruits naturally high in melatonin
-
Montmorency cherries are the variety used in sleep studies
-
Cherry juice concentrate delivers the highest melatonin levels
-
Studies show tart cherry juice can increase sleep time by up to 84 minutes
-
Also supports hydration and reduces nighttime waking
1. Drink Cherry Juice, Sleep More
Montmorency tart cherries are a leading natural source of melatonin. A nightly glass of tart cherry juice—about an hour before bed—may help people fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
2. Tart Cherries vs. Sweet Cherries
Sweet cherries like Bing or Rainier are perfect summer snacks, but they contain much lower levels of melatonin. Tart cherries, especially Montmorency, are smaller, more perishable, and far richer in sleep-promoting compounds. That’s why researchers consistently use tart cherry juice in clinical sleep studies. Learn the difference between tart cherries and sweet cherries
3. Packed with Anthocyanins and Antioxidants
The rich red color of tart cherries comes from anthocyanins—a class of over 350 plant compounds. These antioxidants not only fight inflammation due to physical exercise but also support recovery and overall wellbeing, making sleep more restorative.
4. Natural Source of Melatonin
Among all forms, tart cherry juice concentrate has the highest melatonin levels. This hormone is essential for maintaining circadian rhythms. Drinking cherry juice before bed helps your body recognize it’s time to rest.
5. Backed by Clinical Sleep Studies
-
One trial found older adults who drank tart cherry juice slept an extra 84 minutes per night compared to placebo.
-
A 14-day study showed tart cherry juice may help maintain healthy night's sleep cycle.
6. Cherry Juice for Jet Lag
Frequent travelers benefit from tart cherry juice too. Dr. Russell J. Reiter, a leading melatonin researcher, suggests cherries may serve as a natural alternative to melatonin supplements for resetting sleep cycles after long flights.
7. Millions Struggle with Sleep
Over 40 million Americans experience sleep issues, and another 20 million deal with frequent sleep disturbances. Cherry juice offers a convenient, research-backed way to support natural rest without side effects. Get a Copy of our Sleep Guide - It is Full of Sleep Tips
8. Great for Cat Naps Too
Short power naps restore focus and energy, but only if you can fall asleep quickly. An 8-ounce glass of tart cherry juice before a midday nap can make “cat naps” more effective.
9. Getting Started with the Tart Cherry Sleep Solution
Reasons to try cherry juice
- Affordable and convenient
-
Always USA-grown Montmorency cherries—never imported - Check the label
-
Low glycemic index (54)
-
No added sugar in Fruit Advantage Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate
-
Free shipping on 6-bottle orders
10. A Hydrating Nighttime Ritual
Mix 1 ounce of tart cherry concentrate with 7 ounces of water to make an 8-ounce glass. This not only boosts melatonin intake but also supports hydration—a key for quality sleep.
Tips:
-
Add concentrate to your daily water bottle
-
Keep a pre-mixed bottle in your fridge
-
Place concentrate at eye level so you don’t forget your nightly serving
Quick Review
Tart cherry juice is a natural, research-backed sleep remedy. Rich in melatonin and anthocyanins, it supports longer, deeper sleep, reduces nighttime waking, and helps reset your body’s sleep cycle.
Get Started Today
Ready to try tart cherry juice for better sleep? Our Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate is made using U.S.A-grown cherries, located in Northern Michigan's cherry-growing region, and backed by the industry’s only sediment-free guarantee.
FAQs
Q: What makes tart cherry juice good for sleep?
A: Tart cherries are a natural source of melatonin, which regulates the sleep-wake cycle.
Q: How much cherry juice should I drink before bed?
A: Most studies used two 8-ounce servings daily—one in the morning and one at night.
Q: Can tart cherry juice help with jet lag?
A: Yes. The melatonin in cherries helps reset circadian rhythms after travel.
Q: Is tart cherry juice safe to drink every night?
A: Yes. It’s a natural food remedy with no known long-term side effects.
Q: What’s the difference between tart and sweet cherries for sleep?
A: Tart cherries contain much higher melatonin levels than sweet cherries.
People Also Ask Format
- Here’s what makes tart cherry juice different from sweet cherry juice...
- Why researchers use Montmorency tart cherries in sleep studies...
- How much tart cherry juice should you drink
- What to know about using tart cherry juice for jet lag recovery...
Learn More
Maintaining a healthy sleep doesn’t always require medication or complex routines. Sometimes, nature provides the simplest solution. By drinking tart cherry juice daily, you can take advantage of its melatonin, antioxidants, and hydration benefits. Whether you struggle jet lag, or simply want deeper rest, this natural sleep remedy can be a powerful addition to your nightly routine.
Check This Out and Get Started Today!
Want to experience the benefits of tart cherry juice for yourself? Explore our 100% Pure No-Added Sugar Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate and see why wellness-minded customers nationwide trust Traverse Bay Farms.
In closing, by following the tart cherry juice sleep solution outlined above you will find you will sleep efficiency, reduce sleep deprivation all with drinking the natural remedies.
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23163942
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22038497/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20438325
- Natural Home Remedies Tart Cherry
- Louisiana State University Sleep Disorders Centers
- How to Buy Cherry Juice