Is it good to have celery juice at night? A detailed guide to benefits and risks

December 8, 2025 •

4 min read

Research suggests that the flavonoid apigenin, found in celery, may bind to receptors in the brain to reduce anxiety and promote calmness, potentially aiding in restful sleep. However, this potential benefit must be weighed against other factors when deciding if celery juice is a good nighttime beverage for you.

Quick Summary

Celery juice at night may offer calming effects due to the compound apigenin, but its diuretic properties could interrupt sleep. The beverage can support digestion and hydration, yet it might cause bloating or frequent urination in some individuals. Optimal timing depends on individual health goals and body responses. Weighing the potential relaxation benefits against the risks is crucial for a restful night.

Key Points

Relaxation aid: Celery contains apigenin, a compound that may have calming and anti-anxiety effects, potentially helping with sleep.
Diuretic risk: Celery has natural diuretic properties, meaning a nighttime drink could lead to frequent urination and disrupt your sleep.
Digestive help: For some, celery juice may aid digestion and reduce bloating, but for those with sensitive stomachs, it might cause discomfort.
Optimal timing: Most experts recommend drinking celery juice in the morning on an empty stomach for maximum nutrient absorption and digestive benefits.
Listen to your body: The best approach is to test a small amount well before bed and monitor how your body and sleep patterns respond.
Nutrient rich: Celery juice provides hydration along with vitamins and minerals, which can be beneficial regardless of the time of day.

The Potential Benefits of Celery Juice at Night

For many, the idea of a simple, natural elixir that promotes rest and aids digestion is highly appealing. Celery juice contains several compounds that contribute to potential nighttime benefits, though results can vary from person to person.

Relaxation and Sleep Support

One of the most promising aspects of consuming celery is its calming effect. This is primarily attributed to a phytochemical called apigenin. This compound is known to possess anxiolytic, or anti-anxiety, properties that can help reduce brain activity and promote a sense of calmness. For those who find it difficult to unwind after a long day, a glass of celery juice could potentially help quiet a restless mind and pave the way for more peaceful sleep. Research has indicated that high dietary intake of apigenin is linked to better and longer sleep periods. Additionally, celery contains magnesium, a mineral known for its soothing effect on the nervous system, further contributing to a relaxed state.

Digestive Comfort and Reduced Bloating

Some individuals report that drinking celery juice can help ease digestive issues and reduce bloating. This is partly due to its high water content, which aids in hydration and helps flush the body of excess fluids. For those who experience bloating after their evening meal, a glass of celery juice may act as a gentle diuretic, helping to reduce water retention. Its natural sodium and enzyme content is also said to help stimulate stomach acid production, which can lead to more efficient digestion. The antioxidants within celery may also help to combat inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, alleviating symptoms associated with some digestive issues.

The Potential Downsides of Celery Juice at Night

While there are promising benefits, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks, particularly when consumed close to bedtime. Not every wellness trend is a perfect fit for everyone.

Diuretic Effects and Sleep Disruption

Celery contains compounds with diuretic properties, such as coumarins and phthalides, which can trigger increased urine production. For some people, especially those with a sensitive bladder, this can lead to frequent trips to the bathroom throughout the night, significantly interrupting sleep. This is a major reason why many wellness experts recommend consuming celery juice in the morning rather than at night, to allow for its cleansing and hydrating effects during waking hours.

Digestive Sensitivity and Potential Bloating

Despite its reputation for easing digestion, celery juice can cause digestive discomfort in some individuals. Those with particularly sensitive stomachs may experience gas or further bloating, especially from the fermentation of certain starches in the gut. While juicing removes much of the fiber, which can be difficult for some to digest, the concentrated liquid form may still trigger issues. It is important to start with a small amount to see how your body reacts before committing to a nightly habit.

Nutrient Absorption Timing

According to some experts, drinking celery juice on an empty stomach first thing in the morning allows for more rapid and efficient absorption of its nutrients. The slower digestive process at night means that these benefits may not be maximized in the same way. The evening is often a time for the body to rest and repair, not to process a concentrated influx of nutrients. Having it in the morning aligns better with the body's natural cycle for hydration and gut stimulation.

When to Drink Celery Juice: Night vs. Morning

The choice of when to consume celery juice often comes down to balancing its effects. The calming properties are ideal for evening, but the diuretic effects can be counterproductive for sleep. The cleansing benefits are often seen as a great way to start the day. Below is a comparison to help you decide which timing is right for your goals.


Feature	Drinking Celery Juice at Night	Drinking Celery Juice in the Morning
Primary Benefit	Relaxation and anti-anxiety effect.	Maximum nutrient absorption and gut stimulation.
Sleep Impact	Potential sleep disruption due to diuretic effect.	No direct risk of nighttime urination; helps hydrate after sleep.
Digestive Impact	May help with late-day bloating, but could cause digestive discomfort for sensitive individuals.	Kicks starts digestion and flushes the system for the day ahead.
Best For	Individuals without bladder sensitivity seeking a calming ritual, consumed well before bed.	Most people seeking hydration, detox, and digestion benefits; optimal absorption.
Consideration	Time it carefully to avoid waking up frequently to use the restroom.	Wait 15-30 minutes before eating anything else to maximize benefits.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for You

Determining whether it is good to have celery juice at night depends on your individual response. The calming and anti-anxiety effects from apigenin are a genuine benefit that could promote restful sleep for some. However, the strong diuretic properties mean that for many, a glass before bed is an invitation for interrupted sleep. For this reason, the morning, on an empty stomach, remains the most commonly recommended time to consume celery juice to maximize its hydrating and digestive benefits. Ultimately, the best approach is to listen to your body. Experiment with a small amount well before bed and observe your sleep quality. If you experience interruptions, consider moving your celery juice ritual to the morning. For those specifically seeking a relaxation aid without the diuretic risk, whole celery stalks or a moderate quantity of juice a few hours before bedtime may be a more appropriate compromise.

Frequently Asked Questions

While celery contains apigenin, a compound known for its calming properties that may aid sleep, its strong diuretic effect can cause you to wake up to urinate, potentially disrupting a restful night.

Many people avoid drinking celery juice at night due to its diuretic properties, which can lead to increased urination and interrupt sleep. Additionally, the slower digestion at night may reduce nutrient absorption.

Celery juice can aid digestion and potentially reduce bloating, but for some individuals with sensitive digestive systems, it may cause gas or other discomfort. The high water content can help flush the body.

If you already wake up frequently, drinking celery juice at night is not recommended. Its diuretic effect is likely to increase the number of times you need to get up to use the bathroom, further disrupting your sleep.

The most widely recommended time to drink celery juice is in the morning on an empty stomach. This is said to maximize nutrient absorption and kickstart your digestive system for the day.

For some with digestive sensitivities, the fermentation of starches in celery can cause bloating and gas. However, for others, its mild diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties may actually help reduce bloating.

Eating whole celery stalks at night provides the same beneficial compounds like apigenin, but the slower absorption of the whole vegetable, combined with a smaller portion size, might reduce the diuretic effect and minimize sleep disruption.

Celery contains vitamin K, which may interact with blood-thinning medications. It can also affect the central nervous system and should be used cautiously with sedative medications. Always consult a healthcare provider.