Reishi mushroom has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to improve overall health and well-being.
In English, it is nicknamed the “mushroom of immortality” because of its long list of health benefits, which includes using reishi mushrooms for sleep improvement.
But how exactly can you use reishi mushrooms for sleep?
Well, there is no need to fret because, in this guide, we will discuss:
- How & when to take reishi mushroom for sleep
- Benefits of reishi mushroom for sleep
- The proper reishi mushroom dosage for sleep
- How to choose the best reishi mushroom supplements for sleep
In this guide:
Do Reishi mushrooms help with sleep?
Yes, reishi mushrooms help with sleep despite the fact that they are not sedatives. Several studies have been carried out to prove the effects of reishi mushrooms on our sleep time.
One study found that when extracts of reishi mushrooms were taken for three days, it significantly increased total sleep time and non-rapid eye movement sleep in the test subjects.
This goes to show how reishi mushrooms can help support the body’s sleep cycle.
Additionally, a reishi mushroom is an adaptogen, a plant or herb thought to help the body adapt to stress. So when your body gets stressed, and you find it difficult to sleep, they can also help you relax.
Read more: What are adaptogenic mushrooms
What are the benefits of Reishi mushroom for sleep?
Reishi mushroom benefits sleep in more ways than you can think to imagine.
Below are five scientifically studied benefits of reishi mushrooms for sleep.
Reishi reduces fatigue and depression
There is a close relationship between fatigue, depression, and sleep.
People who struggle with depression may have trouble falling asleep because they can’t seem to relax or shut off their thoughts.
Additionally, fatigue can make it difficult for you to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Reishi assists in reducing the symptoms of fatigue and depression, which may interfere with your sleep.
A study examined the effects of reishi mushroom in 132 people with neurasthenia ( a condition characterised by physical and mental exhaustion). And the researchers found that fatigue was reduced and well-being was improved after eight weeks of taking reishi supplements.
Reishi mushrooms promotes relaxation
Reishi mushroom encourages the body to relax and enter a natural, healthy sleep cycle.
It contains a high concentration of compounds that have a calming effect on the nervous system, which can help promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
Reishi boosts the immune system
Another way reishi mushroom benefits sleep is by boosting the immune system. Unsurprisingly, this is one of the most important effects of reishi.
This adaptogen impacts the body’s white blood cells and immune functions in many ways aimed at improving immune function.
Research in cancer patients has shown that some of the molecules found in reishi can increase the activity of a type of white blood cell called natural killer cells.
These natural killer cells promote health by fighting infections in the body.
And we can all agree that when the body is healthier, it’s easier to get a good night’s sleep.
Reishi has anti-inflammatory properties
Chronic inflammation has been linked to sleep disorders. It can affect the functioning of your hypothalamus, making it extremely difficult for you to fall asleep at night.
Another way inflammation can affect your sleep is by messing with your sleep cycle.
Reishi mushroom contains several biologically active compounds that are anti-inflammatory and are also said to improve sleep quality.
Read more: Mushrooms for inflammation
Reishi reduces anxiety
Reishi mushrooms work on the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis, or HPA for short, by improving the functions of the adrenal gland.
Why does this matter?
Well, whenever stress is perceived by the nervous system, the hypothalamus relays the message to the adrenal glands. And then, the adrenal glands stimulate the release of stress hormones like cortisol and epinephrine.
Reishi mushroom extracts combat stress by assisting in calming the mind, easing anxiety, and helping us to foster greater resilience to stress over time.
Read more: Mushrooms for anxiety
How do I take Reishi mushroom for sleep?
There are several ways available for you to take reishi mushrooms for sleep.
Your reishi mushroom dosage for sleep can be incorporated into foods like soups, stews, and smoothies.
Additionally, reishi mushrooms can be used in aromatherapy by adding a few drops of reishi mushroom essential oil to a diffuser or adding the oil to a warm bath before bedtime.
However, the two most effective means of taking reishi for sleep are:
Reishi mushroom tea
This is probably the easiest and most enjoyable way to absorb your dosage of reishi mushrooms.
You can simply brew warm reishi beverages, tea, or latte to sip at your convenience.
Read more: Mushroom tea
Reishi mushroom supplements
Reishi mushrooms can also be taken as supplements, which are available in a variety of different forms. With capsules, tinctures, powders, and gummies being the most common ones available.
- Capsules
Capsules are a convenient way to incorporate reishi mushrooms into your daily routine. You can easily take them alongside your daily vitamins and supplements with water or drinks. - Tinctures
This is the fastest way to get the most out of functional mushrooms like reishi. Simply squeeze a few drops in your mouth. - Powders
Powdered reishi can be added to a variety of hot and cold foods. Some people opt to have them in mushroom coffee or tea, smoothies, juices, and even protein shakes. - Gummies
Mushroom gummies are another great way to take your reishi mushroom dosage for sleep. It’s a quick and easy alternative for non-tablet fans.
You should note that in addition to all of this, it’s essential to maintain a consistent sleep schedule, avoid caffeine and alcohol before bedtime, and create a comfortable sleep environment to promote good sleep.
When to take Reishi mushroom for sleep
If you are wondering, when is the best time to take reishi mushroom for sleep?
The answer is there is no “best” time.
This is because individual factors can affect the effectiveness of reishi.
For some people taking it earlier in the evening helps them relax better, while others prefer to take it right before bed.
But don’t be disappointed.
Most traditionalists do recommend taking reishi mushrooms in the early evening, around dinner time. This is to give the compounds in the mushroom a fair chance to react with your body in time before you go to bed.
But you should know that the benefits of reishi mushrooms do not appear shortly after consumption. As you adapt to the biological compounds, these benefits take time to accumulate in your body.
So, here are some guidelines you can follow to maximise the effects of reishi.
- Take reishi consistently
Taking reishi consistently is key to helping your body adjust to its sleep-promoting effects. - Take reishi with a meal or snack
Reishi is better absorbed when taken with food. Taking it with a small meal or snack may help increase its effectiveness. - Follow the recommended dosage
Always follow the recommended dosage on the product label or as recommended by a healthcare practitioner. Taking more than the recommended dose may not improve the sleep-promoting effects of reishi and could lead to unwanted side effects.
As a side note, if you have any health conditions or are taking any medications, it’s best to talk to your healthcare provider before taking reishi mushroom for sleep.
What is the proper Reishi mushroom dosage for sleep?
One of the most popular questions asked concerning reishi mushrooms is what is the proper or most effective reishi mushroom dosage for sleep?
The answer? The correct dosage can vary depending on the individual, the specific product, and other factors.
With this in mind, most experts recommend typically around 1-3 grams per day. However, for sleep specifically, some experts recommend a higher dosage of up to 5 grams per day.
It’s important to start with a lower dosage and gradually increase it over time while monitoring how your body responds to the supplement.
Additionally, the best reishi mushroom supplements come with a recommended dosage listed on the packaging. So, stick to that, and you have nothing to worry about.
How do I choose the best Reishi mushroom supplement for sleep?
To get the most out of your reishi mushroom supplement, you have to purchase an authentic one. But unfortunately, the mushroom supplement market is plagued by fake products.
So how can you tell the phonies from the real?
How do you choose the best reishi mushroom supplement for sleep?
Here are five tips you can follow:
- Search for standardised extracts
Look for a reishi mushroom supplement that contains standardised extracts of the active compounds in reishi, such as beta-glucans or triterpenes. This can help ensure that you are getting a consistent and effective dose of the active compounds. - Check the purity and quality
Make sure the supplement is free of contaminants and is made from high-quality ingredients. Look for supplements that are third-party tested for purity and potency. - Consider the form
Reishi mushroom supplements come in different forms, such as capsules, powders, and extracts. Choose the form that is most convenient and easy for you to take consistently. - Read reviews and ratings
If you already have a supplement brand in mind, read reviews and ratings from other customers to get an idea of how effective and safe the supplement is. - Consult with a healthcare provider
Lastly, be sure to speak to your healthcare provider before taking any new supplement, including reishi mushrooms, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking any medications that may interact with the supplement.
Frequently asked questions:
How do you feel after taking Reishi?
Most people have reported feeling relaxed and less stressed after taking Reishi.
Can I take Reishi mushroom before bed?
Yes, you can take Reishi mushroom before bed, as it is known to have a calming effect and may promote a better night’s sleep.
Final words on Reishi for sleep
Reishi mushroom has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine for its numerous health benefits, including improved sleep.
Research shows that reishi can increase total sleep time and promote relaxation, reduce fatigue and depression, boost the immune system, have anti-inflammatory properties, and reduce anxiety.
To see these benefits, just be sure to maintain a consistent sleep schedule, avoid caffeine and alcohol before bedtime, and create a comfortable sleep environment to promote good sleep.
