Would you drink a cup of boiled lettuce water to fall asleep faster? TikTok says yes, but science says… maybe.
This sleepy-time trend took off after creator Shapla Hoque’s video racked up over 7 million views. In the clip, she boils iceberg lettuce in a mug, adds a peppermint tea bag for flavor, and drinks the brew hoping to finally catch some zzzs. Hoque later reports feeling “slightly drowsy” and eventually “very sleepy,” prompting millions of views and thousands of curious copycats.
But does lettuce water work, or is this just another social media placebo?
According to a handful of studies, there may be something to it. A 2017 study published in Food Science and Biotechnology found that romaine lettuce contains sleep-promoting polyphenols and antioxidant compounds—in mice, at least. Another pilot study with 60 adults showed that lettuce seed oil helped improve sleep in people with mild insomnia. And a third, smaller study found that applying lettuce seed oil to children’s temples helped with sleep-related issues.
Still, experts caution: We’re not quite ready to crown lettuce as the new chamomile. Most of the research has been small-scale or tested lettuce derivatives—not the boiled tap-water version going viral online.
“Drinking lettuce water is unlikely to harm you,” says sleep expert Dr. Rebecca Robbins, “but don’t expect a miracle cure.” What’s more likely helping people feel sleepy? The soothing bedtime ritual, the warm liquid, or simply placebo effect.
If sipping lettuce tea makes you feel calmer before bed, go for it. But if you’re struggling with real sleep issues, you’re better off improving your sleep hygiene—or talking to a healthcare provider.
