HormonesMelatonin

Tart cherry juice promotes sleep quantity in athletes and healthy adults

The narrative review found that tart cherry juice can promote sleep quantity in athletes and healthy adults. This conclusion is based on studies that measured sleep duration and efficiency, though specific effect sizes were not reported in the abstract.

Last updated: Aug 26, 2026โ€ข0 RCTsโ€ข๐Ÿ“– Read as article โ†’

Evidence Score

Evidence Score32/100
Human RCTโ˜†โ˜†โ˜†โ˜†โ˜†
Meta-analysisโ˜†โ˜†โ˜†โ˜†โ˜†
Mechanismโ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…
Safetyโ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜†
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Nutritional Interventions to Improve Sleep in Team-Sport Athletes: A Narrative Review.

observational

Gratwicke M, Miles KH, Pyne DB, Pumpa KL, Clark B ยท Nutrients (2021)

Participants: N/A
Duration: N/A
Intervention: Tart cherry juice supplementation
Outcome: Sleep quantity (duration, efficiency)
Effect Size: N/A
Population: Team-sport athletes and otherwise healthy adults

Result:

Mechanism Graph

Tart cherry juice contains melatonin and tryptophan
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These compounds may influence circadian rhythm regulation
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Anti-inflammatory properties may reduce muscle soreness
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Result: Increased sleep quantity

Limitations

  • โš Narrative review design with semi-systematic search, not a meta-analysis
  • โš Limited direct evidence in athlete populations, requiring extrapolation from healthy adults

Frequently Asked Questions

How does tart cherry juice improve sleep?โ–ผ

Tart cherry juice is a natural source of melatonin and tryptophan, which can help regulate sleep-wake cycles and promote sleep onset.

What dose of tart cherry juice is recommended for sleep?โ–ผ

The abstract does not specify a recommended dose; further research is needed to determine optimal dosing for athletes.

Is tart cherry juice effective for all athletes?โ–ผ

The review suggests benefits for sleep quantity, but effects may vary based on individual factors and timing relative to training.

Can tart cherry juice replace other sleep interventions?โ–ผ

No, it should be considered as part of a broader nutritional strategy, not a standalone treatment for sleep disturbances.

Products

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References

  1. 1.Gratwicke M, Miles KH, Pyne DB, Pumpa KL, Clark B. "Nutritional Interventions to Improve Sleep in Team-Sport Athletes: A Narrative Review.." Nutrients, 2021. PMID: 34068512 DOI: 10.3390/nu13051586
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.