What is a ‘cortisol cocktail’ and can it help you sleep better?
Experts wade in on the new drink that ‘will help you sleep better’
- A wellness drink dubbed the 'cortisol cocktail' has gone viral on TikTok, with creators claiming it reduces stress, restores energy, and balances hormones.
- Common recipes for the beverage, often consumed before bedtime, include coconut water, orange or lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and sometimes magnesium powder.
- Nutritionists largely agree that while individual ingredients like magnesium are beneficial, the cocktail itself lacks proven health benefits for meaningfully reducing cortisol or stress.
- Experts warn that the sugars in the drink can cause blood glucose spikes before bed, potentially leading to poor sleep and subsequently higher cortisol levels the following day.
- They advise that if consumed, it should be earlier in the day with a meal, and stress management should primarily focus on holistic approaches including movement, diet, and sleep.