HormonesMelatonin

Tart cherry juice may improve sleep quantity and quality in older adults with self-reported insomnia

This protocol describes a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over pilot study testing 16 oz. of tart cherry juice daily for 4 weeks in 20 older adults with self-reported insomnia. The study aims to evaluate feasibility and collect preliminary data on sleep quantity/quality and biomarkers related to melatonin, cortisol, serotonin, and inflammation.

Last updated: Jul 7, 2026•1 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score42/100
Human RCT★★☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. CherryZZZ: A Protocol for a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Cross-Over Pilot Study Testing Tart Cherry Juice in Older Adults with Self-Reported Insomnia.

observational

VanderMark E, Baniassadi A, Wolfe A, Cladis DP, Dufour AB, Millar CL · Nutrients (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 4 weeks per arm plus 3-week washout
Intervention: 16 oz. of tart cherry juice per day for 4 weeks
Outcome: Sleep quantity and quality, biomarkers related to melatonin, cortisol, serotonin, and inflammation
Effect Size: N/A
Population: Older adults with self-reported insomnia

Result:

PubMed: 41901097DOI: 10.3390/nu18060922

Mechanism Graph

Tart cherry juice contains melatonin and anti-inflammatory compounds
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Consumption may increase circulating melatonin levels
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May reduce cortisol and inflammatory markers
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Result: Improved sleep quantity and quality

Limitations

  • ⚠This is a protocol paper; no results are reported yet
  • ⚠Small sample size (n=20) limits generalizability
  • ⚠Self-reported insomnia may not align with objective sleep measures

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the proposed dose of tart cherry juice for sleep improvement?▼

The protocol uses 16 oz. per day, split into 8 oz. in the morning and 8 oz. at night, for 4 weeks.

Who is the target population for this study?▼

Older adults with self-reported insomnia.

What outcomes are being measured in this pilot study?▼

Feasibility (recruitment, retention, compliance, safety), sleep quantity/quality via diaries and wearable devices, and biomarkers such as melatonin, cortisol, serotonin, and inflammation.

Is this study a randomized controlled trial?▼

Yes, it is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over pilot study.

Products

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References

  1. 1.VanderMark E, Baniassadi A, Wolfe A, Cladis DP, Dufour AB, Millar CL. "CherryZZZ: A Protocol for a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Cross-Over Pilot Study Testing Tart Cherry Juice in Older Adults with Self-Reported Insomnia.." Nutrients, 2026. PMID: 41901097 DOI: 10.3390/nu18060922
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.