Which natural hormone, found in cherries, plays a key regulatory role in the body’s sleep-wake cycles?
Melatonin
Cherries provide a natural source of melatonin, a vital hormone whose primary function is regulating the body's circadian rhythm, specifically governing the transition between wakefulness and sleep. As individuals age, the body's intrinsic production of melatonin often declines, leading to common sleep disturbances, such as difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep. Supplementing this supply naturally through cherry consumption, especially tart cherry juice, has been linked to improvements in both the duration and overall quality of sleep experienced by those suffering from insomnia. It is important to understand that this benefit is often achieved by signaling the body's internal clock rather than acting as a direct chemical sedative that forces drowsiness.
