These paleo sleep gummies are simple and easy to make! You’ll love the taste and flavor!
Sleep Aid: Paleo Sleep Gummies
These sleep promoting Paleo “gummies” were inspired by a post I came across on Mama Natural’s website, How Tart Cherry Juice Can Help Kids Sleep Better (Adults Too!). I had read her post months ago and filed it away in my brain for natural tips and tricks to try, if my toddler started having sleep issues.
Indyanna (almost 3) generally gets lots of sleep and goes to sleep easily, but only if she is in her crib in her pitch black room. Traveling always does a number on all of us. Even if it is just 1 night away at the grandparents, it takes us several nights to adjust.
Last time we went on a trip, I decided to try tart cherry juice to help her adjust better once we got home. A couple of studies have indicated that tart cherry juice concentrate may increase melatonin production and improve sleep duration and quality.
One study also states, “Tart Montmorency cherries have been reported to contain high levels of phytochemicals including melatonin, a molecule critical in regulating the sleep-wake cycle in humans.”
Gelatin Improves Sleep!
Tart cherry juice concentrate and gelatin together are a powerful combo for better sleep! Plus, I am more comfortable giving these gummies to my toddler than juice. We haven’t ever really given her juice and I don’t want her to get in the habit of expecting drinks to be sweet.
I always make these for her now after we have been traveling and I’ve found that they really do help! She falls back into her sleep routine much easier. She falls asleep without struggling and stays asleep.
These Sleep Promoting Paleo “Gummies” are also great for adults that have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.
Recipe Notes
– I don’t sweeten these at all and they are pretty tart, but Indyanna doesn’t mind. If you prefer them sweeter, you can add some honey.
– I do 1 part cherry juice to 2 parts water. You can do a 1:1 ratio for more potent gummies.
– I highly recommend using grass fed gelatin to get the most nutrients out of this recipe. I like this brand and this brand. Some people that are sensitive to the flavor of gelatin say this brand has a milder flavor.
– I used silicone heart shape molds, similar to this one. You can also make these in a glass baking dish, similar to these.
Sleep Aid: Paleo Sleep Gummies
Ingredients
1 cup tart cherry juice concentrate (I use this kind)
2 – 3 tablespoons honey (optional)
2 cups filtered water
4 tablespoons grass-fed gelatin (I recommend this brand)
Avocado oil or any other healthy, mild tasting oil that will not harden in the fridge (I use this brand)
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Sleep Aid: Paleo Sleep Gummies
Ingredients
- 1 cup tart cherry juice concentrate
- 2 – 3 tablespoons honey (optional)
- 2 cups filtered water
- 4 tablespoons grass-fed gelatin
- Avocado oil or any other healthy, mild tasting oil that will not harden in the fridge
Instructions
- In a bowl or a measuring cup, add the cherry juice concentrate and the water. Stir to combine.
- Then set aside 1 cup of the mixture. Sprinkle the gelatin over it and set aside until it absorbs all the liquid.
- In the meantime, heat your remaining juice and honey (if using) in a small saucepan. Don’t bring it to a boil, just get it nice and warm, about 5 to 8 minutes.
- Then turn off the heat and add the remaining cup of gelatin and juice to the hot saucepan. Vigorously whisk until it is well combined and there are no chunks of gelatin.
- Lightly brush your molds or your glass baking dish with the avocado oil. This will make it easier to get your gummies out of your molds later.
- Carefully pour your gelatin mixture into your molds or baking dish. Transfer to the fridge and allow it to chill and set for 2 to 3 hours.
What servings size to help both?
Hi Renee – For my 3 year old, I give her 2 to 4 and it works well for her. It might just take some experimentation.
How many should you eat and when?
I let my toddler eat 2 or 3 about a half hour before bed and that works well for her.
I get a beefy aftertaste when I used the grass fed gelatin Great Lakes brand. No one would want them. How do I get passed that?
Do you know how to get the beefy flavor out from the gelatin? I would like to try this recipe again. I love gummies!
Hi Krystal! Try the Vital Proteins brand that I liked to above. It has a less intense flavor. Hope that helps!
Thanks! I will. 🙂
I am wondering where to find a silicone mold for these, all of the ones I find seem big. Is there a link to a good size mold for making gummies?
I use the ones from Ikea! But, I’ve seen similar ones on Amazon. I left a link in the post. Hope that helps!
If you gonto Ebay and type in “Makin’ Clay cutters” or “Metal Clay cutters”, they have really small metal molds.
Also, how long do these keep? Where will you store these gummies? I made a small batch and ate them quickly. I would like to make a larger batch and have them last longer.
Your recipe refers to cherry juice concentrate. The link in your write-up leads to cherry juice that notes that it is NOT made from concentrate.
So is cherry juice or cherry juice concentrate needed for the recipe?
Hi Sylvia! I use teh same brand as in teh link, but I use the concentrate for this reicpe. You can also use the juice. If you do, you won’t need to water it down, you can just use 3 cups of juice.