In addition to being a powerhouse of nutrients, cherries also contain a compound called melatonin. Melatonin in known as the sleep hormone. It is created from serotonin in the evenings in response to the dark and stops being made in the light. This is why it is important to keep bedrooms dark or wear eye masks for sleep.

A lack of melatonin is very common with our use of phones, TVs and household lighting in the evenings, but research has shown that the cherry juice can not only increase melatonin levels in our blood but also improve sleep quality. To reap the most benefits opt for sour (tart) cherries that contain significantly more polyphenols. They can be hard to find fresh but are often found in frozen sections in supermarkets, or in juice form.