Does Lettuce Water Help You Sleep? Breaking Down the TikTok Hack

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Your summertime insomnia may not be cured by the lettuce water trend. 

Experts claim that the popular TikTok trend involving soaking romaine lettuce in hot water may have a calming effect, acting as a potential natural sedative.

In fact, Rosie Osmun, who is a certified sleep coach at Amerisleep, explained that this association with sleep comes from the routine of enjoying a calming drink, not necessarily the specific beverages’ ingredients – regardless of whether they contain numerous leafy greens or not.

In her comments to TopMob News, she explained that any potential advantages might stem from the soothing ritual of drinking something hot before sleeping. However, it’s important to note that lettuce does possess some sleep-inducing nutrients like lactucarium and magnesium; but the quantities are very small, virtually insignificant.

Osmun suggested that although lettuce does contain a substance known as lactucarium, similar to what’s found in “lettuce opium,” merely placing a few leaves in water isn’t guaranteed to have any significant effect.

The sleep specialist mentioned that the current lettuce trend might simply be a refreshed version of a mocktail for tired girls, further stating, “It’s not surprising that people are seeking natural alternatives to sleeping pills; however, it’s crucial we clarify what truly helps and what’s essentially a viral sugar pill.

But Osmun isn’t completely writing off the harmless concoction, either. 

She pointed out that while some people might find relief in drinking lettuce water and feeling calmer, it’s important not to mix that with actual sleep science. The key to better sleep lies in making substantial changes: investing in a good mattress, establishing a relaxing bedtime routine, and reducing distractions. These strategies are backed by research and have been proven effective, whereas lettuce water is simply an ancillary aspect.

A brief aside, but a significant one – many people battling insomnia on social media platforms have endorsed the advantages of drinking lettuce water for quite some time.

In a video, a user shared that it took her a moment to drift off to sleep, but once she did, she slept deeply. Initially skeptical about the trend, she believes this beverage might aid those struggling with insomnia.

Meanwhile, a mom on the app swore that having her baby bathe in lettuce water helped him sleep. 

As an overly enthusiastic fan, I’d rephrase it like this: “Alright, let’s get the tomatoes, those tasty croutons, and just a touch of ranch dressing – if we do, I believe this culinary masterpiece will come together!” My husband playfully quipped before the screen transitioned. Fast forward to the present, both parents agreed that our efforts from last night seemed to have paid off. “I’ve got to say it,” I exclaimed, “I think it worked!

Keep reading for more expert-backed health tips…

Roup acknowledges that starting a longer video workout can sometimes feel overwhelming. To combat this, she provides shorter options like her four-week program with “spicy, brief workouts” lasting 25 minutes or less. She suggests doing these short daily workouts even in pajamas, such as a 10-minute full-body routine before moving on with the day. Roup believes that consistent small habits lead to long-term results, explaining that grand goals often fail and it’s the daily routines that make a difference. For those seeking to establish a regular fitness routine, she recommends incorporating short “movement breaks” of 10 minutes between meetings, gradually building upon them for noticeable changes.

Roup pointed out the importance of reducing decision fatigue by sticking to a set routine, such as following a weekly schedule or one of her fitness programs. This way, when you wake up, you already know what exercise video you’ll be doing, and can focus on other things without having to make additional decisions.”

And for those just starting out with fitness, Roup recommends finding an activity that you enjoy and fits into your lifestyle.

In the past, Roup was a girl who worked out intensely at the gym every day. Later, she slowed things down with her personal style of exercise which she calls “85% low-impact, full-body workouts” mixed with a little dance cardio for fun. She explained that her body felt grateful as it seemed to say, “Thank you for finally understanding what I need.” And she noticed better results because of this change. This is why she believes workouts don’t have to be lengthy; they just need to be thoughtfully planned, and she saw improvements in both her physical and mental well-being.

In the course of countless cycles of dieting, overeating, and excessive calorie-monitoring, I had reached a point where I could no longer bear the mental strain of constantly scrutinizing every morsel I consumed and devising ways to burn off the calories. So, I decided to break free from this cycle. I discarded the labels that classify food as good or bad, and instead began viewing it simply as sustenance, with no restrictions.

Admittedly, my mindset, deeply ingrained by diet culture, made this transition challenging at first. The thought of indulging in unlimited Snickers bars and forbidden foods seemed appealing initially, but soon grew monotonous.

Over the past decade, I have learned to listen to my body’s signals. I ask myself when I’m truly hungry, what I’m yearning for, which foods provide me energy, and which ones make me feel sluggish and unwell. As I learn to trust these cues, food becomes less complicated.

It wasn’t an instant transformation into intuitive eating, but rather a long process of untangling myself from the diet mentality. However, when I reached my limit, tired of following a futile diet and feeling miserable, I was determined to make a change.

Instead of being a rule for young baseball players, it’s not simply that. As Roup emphasizes, her goal is to make people eager for physical activity, ensuring each move syncs with an appealing tune. She explains, “When we combine movement with music, it instantly brightens the atmosphere.” Rather than establishing a demanding and exhausting environment, as she puts it, “My method focuses on transforming workout routines.” She further adds, “I aim for this experience to be filled with joy and fun.

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2025-07-10 00:20