Chinese and Japanese herbologists frequently recommend Reishi mushrooms for patients with sleep difficulties. Reishi is considered by some to be the “shen-tonic” to restore ones awareness and emotional balance. According to this approach, when ones shen (or spirit) is in balance, ones mood, cognition, and sleep functions are also balanced. Including this adaptogenic herb into daily health care can be the solution for relieving stress and calming down both the body and mind to get a better nights sleep.
Does Reishi Help You Sleep? Here’s What The Science Says
The short answer is: Yes, reishi really does help with your sleep. With consistent usage, eating reishi mushrooms may help maintain a good nights rest. Unlike sedatives or melatonin supplements, reishi does not make you drowsy. Instead, naturally occurring compounds in reishi mushrooms work to support stress management and tranquility. That’s what makes using reishi mushroom for sleep a no brainer.
A study published in The Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that using reishi mushrooms for three days “significantly increased the total amount of time spent asleep and the amount of non-rapid eye movement time” in subjects taking a dosage of 80 mg/kg. Researchers observed increases in levels of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a), a key substance involved in the regulation of sleep; the region of the hypothalamus, which regulates sleep/wake cycles; and the dorsal raphe nucleus, associated with learning and memory. Similarly, a study published in Pharmacology Biochemistry & Behavior detailed findings that reishi extracts “decreased latency to sleep, increased time spent sleeping, time spent not sleeping, and light sleep time of rats treated with pentobarbital”.
In other words, test subjects fell asleep faster and slept for longer periods after three days of use. The subjects also showed reduced amounts of spontaneous activities such as fidgeting or anxiety-like behaviors.
Scientists concluded that mushrooms “may be an herb with benzodiazepine-like hypnotic effects, at least partially,” and further studies are needed to determine their potential synergy with other natural or pharmaceutical sleep aids. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in The Journal of Medicinal Food examined reishis potential effects for neutrrasthenia, a condition marked by fatigue, fatigue, headaches, irritability, and emotional distress. After eight weeks, patients treated with reishi extract had a “significantly lower rating” of fatigue and a greater sense of well-being. While scientists are continuing to uncover the effects of reishi mushrooms, you can reap their benefits by including recommended doses in your daily health routine.
Which Mushoom is best for sleep?
Reishi mushrooms are found to be adaptogenic, possess cardiovascular properties, help with hormonal balance, and support the natural functioning of the immune system and sleep. These benefits are the result of the natural occurring active compounds, such as the beta-glucan polysaccharide and the triterpenes.
As we know, this is an adaptogen. Reishi mushrooms, along with Chaga, Turkey Tail, Lions Mane, and Cordyceps, have been used for centuries for healing purposes, and are called adaptogenic mushrooms because of their supporting role in a persons natural adaptability. As adaptogens, reishi mushrooms provide potential health benefits supporting the bodys natural functions of immunity, stress reduction, and hormonal balance.
Reishi mushrooms have beneficial cardiovascular properties, too. Researchers report that the active compounds of reishi, particularly the triterpenes, may support blood pressure and cholesterol control. The species has also been found to support blood flow and oxygen consumption to cardiac muscles. Reish has also shown benefits to hormone balance.
The adaptogenic qualities of reishi mushrooms also affect homeostasis, or balance. Reishi mushrooms help to balance levels of stress hormones, like cortisol and adrenaline. As we discussed, Reishi enhances sleep by balancing levels of stress and helping with your body’s anxiety response, reishi mushrooms offer a feeling of peace that promotes better quality sleep.
Reishi Mushroom Benefits for Sleep
The National Sleep Foundation suggests sticking to a regular bedtime, and keeping your bedroom to only for restful activities. It is also recommended that caffeine consumption should stop before 2 pm, and that electronics, like cell phones and televisions, should be minimized for at least 30 minutes before going to sleep. Having a healthy bedtime routine is essential for getting a good nights sleep. Good habits go a long way, but with some added support, like with a Reishi Mushroom Supplement from the brands we promote on our website, you can make sure steps towards better health in the long run.
Brands like Freshcap and Real Mushrooms make it easy to include reishi supplements in your everyday routine, whether you are looking to lower stress, support your immune system, or get a better nights rest. Simply add one teaspoon of reishi powder to an evening cup of tea. If you find that tea is a little too earthy or bitter for your tastes, just add some honey, Stevia, or almond milk to taste. If you would rather have a more convenient way of consumption, they offer Reishi Mushroom Powder in capsule form.
Consistency is the key to reaching your goals and maintaining your health.
If you are including reishi mushrooms in your evening routine, you may also want to consider taking a morning dose of cordyceps mushrooms to get you started on a healthy start to the day.
Health by Mushrooms promotes products made with adaptogenic, functional mushrooms that are grown, dried, and milled with care. Each product, which is made with only one species, is tested for quality, and contains 2000mg or more of mushroom powder per serving – a potent amount to support daily health.
You can find our favorite capsules, powders, and tincture’s on the following pages of our website and learn more about each individually:
The Top Reishi Mushroom Supplement
The Top Reishi Mushroom Powder
The Top Reishi Mushroom Tincture
The Top Reishi Mushroom Mushroom Gummies
Additional Resources:
Reishi Mushroom for Schizophrenia
Reishi Mushroom for Weight Loss
Updated October 10/24/2022
