Perfect Snacks for the Anxious, the Stressed and the Tired

If You're Feeling Agitated

If your mind is running like a motor even when it's time for bed, tart cherry juice might help. In a recent study, eight ounces of the juice in the morning and before bedtime proved an effective sleep aid in older adults. One possible reason: These cherries are high in melatonin, the hormone that initiates your sleep cycle. While the exact mechanism by which melatonin works isn't entirely clear, we know the hormone is intricately tied to our biological clocks and circadian rhythms. It's also strongly linked to darkness and light, with levels rising after the sun goes down. An increase in the hormone tells your brain it's time to wind down and settle in for the night.