Back in '08 Megan Fox was fresh on the scene: She had been voted FHM's Sexiest Woman in the World and was just beginning to ruffle feathers in the media with her "edgy" sound bites (remember the '09 Golden Globes when she said she was a "doppelganger for Alan Alda" and a "tranny"?)

But one thing she said back then was actually pretty credible advice, not to mention something you could actually share with your mom. Megan shared that she takes melatonin to sleep and keeps lavender oil around the house for its relaxing effect.

A recent study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food supports Megan's sleep-inducing melatonin regimen. According to the study, daily consumption of melatonin via tart cherry juice, which has high concentrations of the hormone, could be a natural solution for insomnia. The study found that older adults who drank eight ounces of tart cherry juice in the morning and evening for two weeks experienced significant reductions in reported insomnia severity.

Melatonin, which is produced in small amounts by our bodies, is involved in making us tired at night and wakeful during the day. In addition to improving sleep, melatonin is also a powerful antioxidant.

As for the lavender, smaller studies on the use of aromatherapy and massage oil with lavender extract have illustrated that it can promote relaxation, improve mood, reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. Not to mention the fact that it smells great.

Hey, maybe Megan isn't so out there after all.

Source:
Weber Shandwick Worldwide (July 12, 2010). New study suggests tart cherry juice can be a natural solution for insomnia. EurekAlert! Retrieved from http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-07/wsw-nss071210.php