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Lately, you’ve been struggling with sleep and want something to help you slip into a peaceful slumber. You’ve heard Lion’s mane mushroom benefits your body, but is it good for sleep disturbances?
In this article, we’re looking at the research behind the use of Lion’s mane mushroom for sleep. Keep reading to discover whether the medicinal mushroom plays a positive role in achieving high-quality shuteye.
Why is sleep important?
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The average adult needs 7-9 hours of sleep, and you can’t ‘bank’ sleep. That means if you sleep 11 hours one night, it doesn’t mean you can sleep 5 the next and still be okay. Your body needs rest every night to detox and reset.
If you don’t get enough high-quality sleep, you’re more at risk of:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Early mortality
- Obesity
- Certain cancers
- A weakened immune system
- Heart attacks
Signs you’re not getting enough sleep
Sleep is vital for your body to develop, rejuvenate and restore itself. But with many everyday stressors, like blue light from screens and noise from cities, many people struggle with their sleep. So, what are some signs that you need to get a better night’s rest?
- Constant brain fog
- Difficulty focusing
- Dozing off throughout the day
- Low mood
- Irritability
- Finding it hard to make decisions
- Struggling with stress and anxiety
- Feeling lethargic and unmotivated
Does Lion's mane make you sleep?
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Lion’s mane (Latin name Hericium erinaceus) is an edible white mushroom. It’s non-hallucinogenic, meaning it can’t give you a ‘trip’ or make you ‘high.’ It grows in damp woodlands across Europe, Asia and North America.
You may have seen a lot of studies on Lion’s mane for focus and concentration. But what about using the mushroom for a good night’s rest?
Lion’s mane to improve sleep disorders
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Lion’s mane is thought to help with better sleep because it stimulates nerve growth factor (NGF). These neurons are found in the brain and are responsible for modulating sleep.
In 2019, researchers conducted a study on overweight participants with sleep disorders. Over 8 weeks, they gave them Lion’s mane supplement and found a significant improvement in sleep disorders. What’s even more impressive is the positive effects continued 8 weeks after the study ended.
A 2016 study uncovered that Lion’s mane improved the circadian rhythm in mice - known as the sleep-wake cycle. The mice were more alert at the beginning of their sleep cycle and got more tired at the end of the cycle. This indicates that taking the mushroom may make it easier to wake up and fall asleep.
Lion’s mane for anxiety relief and depression to improve sleep
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1 in 6 people in the UK report anxiety and depression every week, making mental health issues highly common.
Anxiety can create a feeling of panic and make it difficult to focus. It’s often accompanied by racing thoughts and worrying about the future or social interaction. Depression is a low mood that persists for 6 weeks or more. You may have negative thought patterns and feel drained of energy. Both conditions impact sleep by making it difficult to fall asleep or by sleeping too much, leaving you groggy and fatigued.
A 2021 study gave mice a dose of Lion’s mane and found that their anxiety-related behaviour decreased. A 2020 article looked into the mushroom's therapeutic potential for depression. It highlighted studies that show the mushroom decreases inflammation, which is directly linked to depression.
The research suggests that Lion’s mane mushrooms show promising results for alleviating mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, for better sleep.
Lion’s mane to reduce stress for better sleep
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Life is full of stressors, making it difficult to relax when your head hits the pillow. A 2024 study discovered that Lion’s mane supplement reduces inflammation and provides your body with antioxidants, which lift your mood. Feeling content and more relaxed makes it easier to fall asleep quickly and stay asleep throughout the night.
Another study in 2023 found that adults who took the mushroom supplement for 28 days had lowered stress levels, which is beneficial for a high-quality night’s sleep.
Is Lion's mane better at night or morning?
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Lion’s mane is an invigorating and stimulating mushroom supplement, best taken in the morning or early afternoon. This allows you to be productive and boosts moods throughout the day, so you feel more relaxed and serene at night.
The best Lion’s mane for sleep
For a good night’s rest, you need to consume high-quality Lion’s mane. To start feeling the benefits, take the recommended dose consistently for at least 8 weeks.
- Improve Me Lions Mane Mushroom Extract - Mix 20 drops into cold water or stir into smoothie and juices.
- Organic Lions Mane Powder - Add 4-6 grams to smoothies and juices or stir into hot water for Lion’s mane tea.
Additional ways to improve your sleep
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- A soothing herbal tea - Pour a cup of calming chamomile tea an hour before bed. Experiment with lavender for relaxation or Night Time Berry for a hint of fruitiness.
- Relaxing bath - Soak in a warm bath with Magnesium Flakes to induce your sleep hormone and release tension.
- Limiting screen time - Avoid blue light on your phone, laptop and TV an hour before bed.
- A quiet, dark bedroom - Reduce light exposure with blackout blinds and a sleeping mask. Use earplugs if you live in a noisy area, and ensure your mobile is switched off to prevent notifications from waking you up.
- Meditation and light yoga - Calm your body and mind with grounding practices like meditation and yoga to induce quality sleep.
- Read a book - Escape to a fictional world or read something boring like a textbook to help you fall asleep easily.
Drift off into slumber with Grape Tree
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Lion’s mane itself won’t make you sleepy, but it will help your overall quality of sleep. So, don’t lie tossing and turning in your bed and take control of your health with Lion’s mane. Try the best Lion’s mane mushroom supplement with Grape Tree today for reduced anxiety, enhanced well-being, and a better night’s rest.
