Does TikTok’s ’Sleepy Girl Mocktail’ Actually Work? I Tried It

A new trend has taken my TikTok FYP by storm over the past few weeks and I’m proud to say this time it isn’t a dance. Among the countless cleaning hacks and living room makeovers I witness daily on the ol’ clock app, there’s a specific type of video that keeps reappearing – and for good reason.

The ‘Sleepy Girl Mocktail’ was first introduced to FYPs in early 2023 when a user by the name of Calee Shea posted it to their account, but it wasn’t until late 2024 when user Gracie Norton shared the drink with her 1.1 million followers catapulting this booze-free nightcap into a viral sensation.

But what makes the ‘Sleepy Girl Mocktail’ more enduring than other trends we’ve seen on the app? Well, my guess is it has something to do with it offering aid to a universal problem – falling asleep.

So, with this viral recipe plastered all over my FYP, and the inability to fall asleep easily under my belt, I thought I’d be the perfect candidate to trial it for a week and put its sleep-inducing qualities to the test.

Take into consideration

Thinking of trying the ‘Sleepy Girl Mocktail’ for yourself? By all means go ahead! But there are a few things to take into consideration before you start sipping the sleep elixir:

1. Timing Be sure to enjoy your ‘Sleepy Girl Mocktail’ no later than 2 hours before your regular bedtime – this will give you enough time to enjoy the benefits of the melatonin being produced, as well as allow you to go to the bathroom so you don’t wake up during the night.

2. Consistency Trial the drink for a few nights. Space them out or do them consecutively, so you can see if you notice a difference in your sleep quality.

3. Maximum magnesium The recommended daily maximum amounts are 420 mg for adult males and 320 mg for adult females – make sure you aren’t exceeding this as it can lead to other health problems.

4. Sugar If you choose to mix your cherry juice and magnesium powder with a probiotic soda, make sure it is low in sugar or better yet, has zero sugar. Consuming sugar too close to your bedtime will disrupt your body's production of melatonin and make it harder for you to fall asleep.

5. Sleep environment While the ‘Sleepy Girl Mocktail’ can assist in falling asleep, making sure you have good sleep hygiene and a proper wind down/evening routine before bed all comes into play. Limit the use of technological devices before bed, and reduce bright lights to maximise the effectiveness of the drink.

If you are concerned about your health, wellbeing or sleep, your first port of call should be your GP, who will advise a correct treatment plan.