Struggling to catch enough z's each night is a common issue many Americans are all too familiar with. With numerous souls battling the Sandman and losing, it's no shocker trends promising a golden ticket to the Slumberland express gain traction faster than a thrown pillow. Coming under the spotlight again, the infamous 'sleepy girl mocktail' from 2023 has us raising a curious eyebrow, questioning the science behind the recipe of tart cherry juice, magnesium powder, and fizz.

Cherries are known to pack in melatonin, the ever-relied-on sleep-regulating hormone, with tart cherry juice taking the lead on shelves for its extra dose of tryptophan – the serotonin booster. And we all know how our dear friend serotonin lays the foundation for a soothing, restful mind. Does this mean we're tossing away centuries-old sleep aids like warm milk? Not quite.

The humble dairy loves you back in your sleep with its own share of tryptophan and potential sleep-enhancing abilities. But while we're debating old school versus new wave sleep aids, let's not forget the ‘it’ crowd of the sleep aid clan. Remember chamomile and lavender? Anyone who's ever attended a ‘zen’ yoga class or sniffed a calming aroma will vouch for their prowess in the zen department.

Now, before you go and make that calming cup of chamomile or lavender tea, did you know that bananas, pistachios, almonds, and kiwis can also up your sleep game? Rich in minerals like magnesium, these dietary heroes could be your new BFFs in the bedtime snack department, potentially aiding your muscle relaxation and stabilizing your sleep-wake cycle.

So as you wind down for the night, hand-pick from these scientifically-backed sleep-enhancers and concoct an evening potion fit for a tranquil night. It could be the addition of some healthful bedtime rituals that your nights have been missing all along.