The Effect of Tart Cherry on Sleep Quality and Sleep Disorders: A Systematic Review

Abstract

This systematic review examined the association between tart cherry consumption and sleep disorders. Tart cherries contain active compounds such as melatonin and anthocyanins that may be effective in improving sleep quality. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of tart cherry consumption on sleep quality and duration, sleep efficiency, melatonin levels, inflammation, and oxidative stress. A systematic review was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and EMBASE databases in January 2025 without time restrictions. English-language interventional studies that examined the effect of tart cherry consumption on sleep, inflammation, and neurotransmitter synthesis were included, and studies related to other chronic diseases were excluded. In total, seven interventional studies were included in the review. Three studies reported significant improvements in sleep indicators such as sleep duration, sleep efficiency, or sleep onset time. Three studies also reported an increase in melatonin levels after tart cherry consumption. Two studies also reported a decrease in inflammatory markers such as CRP and MDA. However, there were large differences in dose, duration of intervention, and characteristics of the participating populations. Although tart cherry consumption may be effective in improving sleep quality, reducing inflammation, and increasing antioxidant capacity, the available evidence is still limited and heterogeneous. To demonstrate clinical efficacy and clarify the mechanisms of action, high-quality, carefully designed clinical trial studies in diverse populations are essential.