Could a juice actually act as an effective sleep aid? It just might, according to Dr. Oz , Daytime Emmy Award winning host of "The Dr. Oz Show,[1] " For many people, sleep aids like melatonin just don't do the trick. According to Dr. Oz, this is for two main reasons: 1) Most people take way more melatonin than the recommended dose, rendering it ineffective. 2) Many people take melatonin too late at night. In order for melatonin to work properly as a sleep aid, it requires 2-3 hours to circulate in the body. Try taking melatonin right after dinner to allow ample time for absorption.


Another sleep aid method for some is to have a glass of wine or two before bedtime. Dr. Oz warns against this habit, as alcohol in any amount could affect your natural sleep cycle, especially in women.


So what does the doctor recommend? His answer may surprise you! Drink a glass of tart cherry juice as you finish your dinner. It contains natural traces of melatonin, so by the time it starts to kick in, your body will be naturally ready for bed.


Learn more about Dr. Oz's Partnership for a Healthier America[2] .


Get more healthy living tips from Dr. Oz here:



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  • Look In The Mirror


    One of the biggest indicators to know if you're eating right is by assessing how you look in the morning. If you're bloated, it's because you are allergic or poisoned by something. Toxins in your body cause inflammation. If you look inflamed in the morning, something you ate in the last 12 hours probably bothered you.




  • Learn To Cope With Stress


    To relieve stress, do deep breathing exercises. Put your right hand on your stomach, inhale, and count to 8. Do 10 deep breaths -- it will take 80 seconds.




  • Monitor Your Blood Pressure


    Check your blood pressure on a regular basis. If you don't know what your blood pressure is, assume that it's high, because for 1/3 of Americans, it is. Find out where your blood pressure is and be sure to take the steps needed to keep it at an optimal level.




  • Find Healthy Foods That You Actually Like


    Instead of choking down healthy foods that you can't stand, eat foods that you love that also happen to be good for you. Explore which healthy foods you like, and eat them often.




  • Avoid The Side Of Fries


    French fries are the #1 source of obesity in America. Fried foods should not be on your agenda.




  • Treat Yourself To A Glass of Wine


    Red wine is especially beneficial to your body. If you are a drinker, two glasses a day is the optimal amount.




  • Stay Active


    Walk! Use the stairs -- incorporate activity into your life. Do something that makes you joyfully able to move.




  • Protect Your Skin


    Always apply sunscreen to your face and hands -- these areas of the body show the first signs of aging. When selecting a sunscreen, be sure to choose a zinc or titanium based sunscreen, because they protect your skin for longer.





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