Does Reishi Make You Sleepy?

If you’ve been tossing and turning when you should be sleeping, it’s time to give reishi a try. For centuries, this mushroom has been the number one ingredient in many herbal medicines. And modern studies proved its numerous health benefits, including better immunity. 

But that’s a story for another time. For now, let’s focus on how to use reishi for sleep and learn how it can restore your consciousness and emotional balance to help you sleep. 

 

Key Takeaways

• Reishi mushrooms have been used for centuries as a key ingredient in herbal medicines and have numerous health benefits. They contain triterpenoids, antioxidants that can reduce stress levels and promote better sleep by lowering cortisol, the stress hormone.
• Reishi is considered an effective adaptogen that can balance hormone levels, including those related to the sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm). 
• Different forms of reishi mushrooms, such as capsules, teas, powders, and extracts, are available for consumption. Reishi consumption may lead to longer non-REM and light sleep stages, improving sleep quality and overall health. 
  
  

What is Reishi Mushroom?

Reishi mushroom is a fungus. People use the dried powder made from the fungus body for medicine.

There are many different kinds of reishi mushroom preparations sold as dietary supplements. These preparations include capsules, powders, teas, liquids, and extracts. 

The reishi mushroom is used to manage the symptoms of viral infections as well as lung conditions, heart disease, kidney disease, high cholesterol levels, and many more. Its benefits are so many that we would need several hours to list them.

Triterpenoids are also antioxidants that can help reduce stress levels by lowering cortisol, a stress hormone. The body releases cortisol when we're stressed or anxious — this can prevent us from falling asleep and staying asleep throughout the night. By lowering cortisol levels, reishi may help promote a good night's sleep.

 

Circadian Rhythm & Hormones

The high concentration of polysaccharides, triterpenes, and other unique chemicals in the reishi mushroom makes it an effective adaptogen. Its ability to balance hormone levels, adrenal function, and other body systems has earned it the title of "master" adaptogen. Restoring physiological balance may alleviate frustration, jet lag, tension, and anxiety.

Hormones are the important messengers in your body that regulate appetite, sleep cycles, moods, weight gain and loss, and many other functions. The hormonal system is controlled by a master clock located in the brain called the hypothalamus. Your hormones follow a 24-hour cycle known as circadian rhythm, governed by your master clock.

Your sleep-wake cycle is part of your circadian rhythm. The hypothalamus sends signals to release melatonin when it's dark outside so you can get sleepy and go to bed. Light signals wake you up by shutting off melatonin production in the morning.

Like all complex rhythms in your body, this system can be thrown off by things like stress or illness. And when your hormones are out of whack, it could lead to problems like depression or weight gain.

This is where reishi comes into play. It helps balance not just one hormone but a whole group of them. You'll have more energy throughout the day, sleep better, and have fewer mood swings overall. This means it's easier to lose weight, gain energy and keep it off!

What are the Consequences of Poor Sleep?

Sleep is a vital part of our everyday life. Without it, we wouldn’t be able to function properly and would struggle to get through the day. There are many different reasons we may not get enough sleep, with stress being the most common cause.

You might think losing a few hours of sleep here and there won’t affect you too much, but you’d be surprised. Here are some of the main consequences of poor sleep:

Lack of concentration and productivity

It goes without saying that if you don’t get enough sleep, you won’t be able to concentrate properly. This can make it difficult to focus on the tasks at hand and makes us less productive. If you have an important meeting coming up or need to submit an essential piece of work tomorrow, you might want to make sure that you grab a few extra hours of sleep tonight!

Increased risk of illness

If you don’t give your body enough time to recover whilst resting, your immune system will struggle to fight off infections such as colds and flu. Although it may seem like a good idea to pull an all-nighter before a big exam or event, in the long run, it will probably leave you feeling exhausted.

Memory impairment

Research shows that when people are sleep-deprived, their ability to think clearly and form new memories is impaired. During sleep, the brain makes connections between events, emotions, and memories in the day and consolidates them for storage in the brain's memory banks.

Altered judgment and decision-making

Research has shown that sleep-deprived people are less able to process information and make good decisions. Sleep loss also affects how people feel about themselves, others around them, and their ability to function at work or school.

Impaired motor function 

Sleep deprivation affects the brain’s ability to communicate with the body’s nervous system, which controls muscle function. Inadequate sleep has been linked to poor hand-eye coordination, which can have consequences if you’re operating heavy machinery or driving a vehicle.

Increased levels of stress hormones

Increased stress hormones like cortisol suppress immune function, increase blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and raise blood sugar levels. These same hormones promote stored fat release into the bloodstream to be used as fuel; this boost in circulating fats increases the risk for heart disease.

Levels of cortisol are lower when people get enough sleep; high cortisol levels are associated with a higher risk for heart disease.

High blood pressure

Several studies have linked insufficient sleep to an increased risk for high blood pressure. One study showed that people who slept less than six hours were more likely to develop high blood pressure than those between seven and eight hours each night.

Increased risk of psychiatric disorders like depression and schizophrenia

Studies have shown that people with insomnia have a higher risk of developing depression, while those with depression have a higher risk of developing insomnia. Schizophrenia patients treated for their insomnia showed significant improvement in their psychotic symptoms.

Increased risk of diabetes 

Research shows that people with chronic insomnia are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes than individuals without insomnia symptoms. However, it's not clear if treating insomnia can reduce this risk factor.

Increased levels of ghrelin 

Because it stimulates desire, increases food intake, and promotes fat accumulation, ghrelin is known as "the hunger hormone." When you don't get enough sleep, your ghrelin levels rise while your leptin levels fall, making you hungry.

 

Reishi Mushroom Sleep Benefits

One of the biggest benefits of reishi is its ability to support quality sleep. A study by Peking University proved its power to treat restlessness and insomnia. According to the researchers, consuming the mushroom for three days increased total sleep time in rats. 

Another study revealed that reishi decreased sleep latency, or the time it takes someone to fall asleep. This study also indicated the mushroom's positive effects on rats’ sleep stages, namely non-REM sleep and light sleep. 

Non-REM sleep (NREM) is the 30-60 minutes in which the body repairs itself and improves its immunity. By getting longer NREM, your body will grow stronger. You’ll also enjoy looking the same for a longer time since aging is linked to shorter sleep spans. 

As for light sleep, it’s the stage between waking and sleeping where you may hear and feel your surroundings. By getting sufficient light sleep, you’ll be able to wake up refreshed. As a result, your memory, learning ability, and motor skills will be sharp.  

It’s worth noting that some researchers believe that this improved sleep is due to reduced stress. Consuming the mushroom has an effect similar to that of a tranquilizer with sedative properties. It can relax the central nervous system, which, in turn, relaxes the muscles. 

Besides using reishi for sleep, these mushrooms can also counter insomnia induced by medical conditions and mental health disorders. 

 

Which Type of Reishi Mushroom is Best for Better Sleep?

The official species of reishi is Ganoderma lingzhi, which is the fungus commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. There are also many species out there, including the Japanese Ganoderma tsugae and North American Ganoderma curtisii. 

However, if sleep is what you’re after, you need to get your hands on Ganoderma lucidum. This is the species that Peking University has tested in the above studies. And luckily, you can find it in several forms that best suit your needs. 

 

Types of Reishi Mushrooms for Sleep 

You can either eat reishi mushrooms directly, or get them in the form of powder, capsules, tincture, or tea. If you’re not sure which form is best, here’s a quick look at each.  

Whole Reishi Mushrooms 

If you’ve been struggling to sleep, sinking your teeth into this mushroom may seem like a great idea. Unfortunately, fresh mushrooms have a woody texture and a bitter taste. 

While you may get used to the taste with time, other alternatives may be easier to incorporate. Especially since you need to consume this daily, maybe even twice a day, for the results you seek. 

Mushroom Tea for Sleep

Making reishi tea is probably the easiest way to consume this mushroom. However, you’ll need to boil 3 oz of dried mushroom for 30-120 minutes. 

Thankfully, there are readily available teas that can be ready instantly. For example, you can use teabags with Traditional Medicinals Organic Reishi Mushroom with Rooibos & Orange Peel Tea. Some teas like Chaga Reishi Tea by Baikal Tea also include other mushrooms to improve your overall wellbeing. 

Reishi Mushroom Capsules

If you don’t think you can handle the taste of reishi at all, your safest bet is capsules. What makes this even more tempting is that it offers additional benefits. 

For example, The Real Mushrooms Reishi Mushroom Capsule Supplements ensures high-levels of beta-glucans. These support the immune system while fixing oxidative damage.

Reishi Extract

What makes reishi liquid extracts so popular is their potency. The water-soluble polysaccharides in them boost the immune system, while the alcohol-soluble triterpenes target cells directly. 

However, you need carefully prepared tinctures, or else you’ll miss out on the alcohol-soluble constituents. So, choose tinctures like Horbäach’s Super Concentrated Reishi Mushroom Tincture that are expertly crafted and tested for purity and potency. 

Reishi Powder

Like tincture, reishi powder can be quickly absorbed by the body. Besides, it’s easier to swallow and quicker to consume. All you need to do is mix it in hot water or your tea/coffee. And if you choose powder like Terrasoul Superfoods Organic Reishi Mushroom Powder, potency can be guaranteed. 

 

How to Take Reishi for Sleep

After the what and why, it’s time for the how. That is, how to reap the benefits of reishi mushrooms and get better sleep. 

When to Eat Reishi for Sleep

If you plan on cooking reishi, you should consume that dish three hours before you sleep. That way, your body can digest it and let the good sedatives work their magic. 

Alternatively, you can have it as a snack two to three hours before bedtime. Just make sure to follow the recommended dosage to get the results you’re after. 

When is the Best Time to Take Reishi for Sleep?

Even if you’re not eating these mushrooms whole, the evening is the best time to have any reishi product. If you’re having tea, powder, or extract, you’ll need to take these after dinner but close to your bedtime. 

As for supplements, you’ll need to follow the instructions on the label. That said, most recommend two tablets a day to get the required results. 

Reishi Mushroom Dosage for Sleep

How much reishi for sleep do you need to consume? That depends on various factors like your age, health, and form of mushroom. 

Typically, you’ll need 25 to 100 g if you’re consuming crude dried mushroom. If you choose reishi extract, you can consume 6 to 12 g daily. Start from the lowest range and work your way up to find the right dose for you. 

Luckily, most products will guide you properly on how much you need to consume. So, all you need to do is check the label for dosage details. 

 

How Much Reishi Mushroom Powder to Take for Sleep?

The dosage of reishi mushroom powder that one should take for sleep varies and depends on a multitude of factors. Understanding these factors is crucial in order to determine the optimal dosage that would yield the most beneficial impact on one's sleep patterns.

Personal Tolerances

Individual response to reishi mushroom powder varies greatly. This is often linked to an individual's unique body composition and metabolism. Certain people may require a larger dose to feel the sleep-promoting effects, while others may react strongly to a smaller amount. It's crucial to start with a low dose and adjust gradually, monitoring your body's reactions closely.

Current Health Status

Your health condition affects how much reishi mushroom powder you should take for sleep. For those battling sleep disorders or chronic insomnia, a larger dose may be necessary. However, if your sleep issues are minor or occasional, a smaller dose could be sufficient.

Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or adjusting your dosage. Not only can they provide personalized advice, but they can also monitor any potential side effects or interactions with other medications you might be taking.

Body Weight

One's weight can also influence the dose of reishi mushroom powder needed for sleep. In general, a heavier person may need a larger amount compared to someone who weighs less. This is because a larger body mass can dilute the effects of the reishi mushroom powder. 

It's important to consider your weight and adjust your dosage accordingly.

Age

Your age plays a role in determining the appropriate dosage of reishi mushroom powder for sleep. As we age, our bodies metabolize substances differently, and our sleep patterns can change. This might mean adjusting the dosage of reishi. Younger people might not need as much as older adults struggling with sleep. 

Always remember to consult your healthcare provider. They can help you determine the best dosage based on your age and overall health condition.

Sleep Issues Severity

The severity of your sleep troubles can dictate the amount of reishi mushroom powder you might need. If you're dealing with severe sleep disorders, like chronic insomnia, a larger dose could be beneficial. 

On the other hand, for mild or occasional sleep disruptions, a smaller dose might be enough. It's crucial to note that any changes in your dosage should be done under medical supervision to avoid potential side effects.

Duration of Usage

The length of time you've been using reishi can impact your dosage. If you're new to it, you may need to start with a smaller dose and gradually increase it. For long-term users, a higher dose might be needed as your body can develop a tolerance. It's essential, however, to avoid self-adjusting your dosage.

Lifestyle Factors

Your lifestyle can significantly influence the effectiveness of reishi mushroom powder in aiding sleep. Factors like diet, exercise, and stress levels play a vital role. A healthy diet and regular exercise can augment the benefits of reishi. 

In contrast, high stress levels might make it less effective. If you lead a sedentary life with unhealthy eating habits and constant stress, you might need a larger dose.

Quality of the Supplement

The quality of your reishi supplement significantly affects its potency. Not all products are created with the same level of care or contain pure reishi extract. 

Always opt for reputable brands that provide transparency about their sourcing and manufacturing processes. This way, you'll get a supplement that delivers the promised benefits without any nasty surprises. 

Be aware that a low-quality supplement might require a higher dose to achieve the desired effect. So, when it comes to reishi, remember that quality trumps quantity!

 

How Much Reishi Mushroom Powder to Take for Sleep?

The recommended reishi mushroom dosage for adults is 1,000 milligrams (mg) of reishi powder or 4 to 8 ml of liquid extract daily.

This amount can vary depending on the condition you’re trying to treat.

The easiest way to determine the right dose is to start with one scoop or 3g. 

Add this scoop to a 6–8-ounce mug of hot water or your favorite hot drink 1-2 hours before bedtime. If you decide to cook with the powder, you’ll find dosage details in these recipes. And you’re in for a treat since these recipes range from smoothies to bolognese sauce. 

Also, as with any supplement, talk with your doctor before taking Reishi mushrooms for any treatment.

Reishi mushrooms have been shown to promote relaxation, reduce mental stress and anxiety, and improve sleep. The potential role of reishi in improving sleep quality is of great interest given its reported nootropic properties.

Future research may well show the efficacy of this herb in treating insomnia and psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety. If you're hesitant about taking yet another medication to help with your sleep issues, why not give reishi a try?

 

 

Potential Side Effects of Reishi Mushrooms

Despite being relatively safe for most individuals, reishi mushrooms, like any other supplement, can potentially cause side effects. Here, we delve into some of these potential side effects:

Digestive Upset

Some users of reishi mushrooms report experiencing digestive upset. This can manifest as bloating, upset stomach, or diarrhea. It's essential to monitor your body's response and consult a healthcare provider if such symptoms persist.

Allergic Reactions

Although uncommon, some people may experience allergic reactions to reishi mushrooms. Symptoms can range from skin rashes to more severe reactions such as difficulty in breathing. If you notice any signs of an allergic reaction, discontinue use immediately and seek medical attention.

Blood Thinning

Reishi mushrooms have been known to inhibit platelet aggregation, leading to a blood-thinning effect. This could potentially interfere with blood clotting. Therefore, individuals on anticoagulant medications or with bleeding disorders should exercise caution and consult with their healthcare provider before starting to use reishi mushrooms.

Interference with Drug Metabolism

Reishi mushrooms could interfere with the metabolism of certain drugs in the liver. If you're taking medication, particularly for conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes, it's especially important to discuss the use of reishi mushrooms with your healthcare provider.

Dizziness

Some users have reported feelings of dizziness or lightheadedness after consuming reishi mushrooms. This sensation can vary from a slight imbalance to a severe spinning sensation.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is another side effect reported by some users. This condition can cause discomfort and difficulties in speaking and swallowing and may lead to bad breath or a sore throat.

Itching

Itching or skin irritation can be a sign of an allergic reaction or a response to the body's detoxification process. If you experience persistent itching after consuming reishi, it's advisable to stop the intake and seek medical advice.

Nausea

While not widespread, some individuals have reported feelings of nausea after consuming reishi mushrooms. This uneasiness in the stomach could also lead to vomiting in more severe cases.

Stomach Upset

This is a general term that encompasses several digestive issues, such as bloating, gas, heartburn, and stomach cramps. As with other side effects, if these symptoms persist, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional.

While these potential side effects may sound alarming, it's important to note that the majority of reishi users do not commonly experience them. 

However, should you notice any of these symptoms after taking reishi mushrooms, it's essential to cease use immediately and consult with your healthcare provider. Your health and safety should always be your top priority when introducing any new supplements into your regimen.

 

FAQs

What is Reishi?

Reishi, also known as Ganoderma lucidum, is a type of medicinal mushroom that has been used in traditional Asian medicine for centuries. It's known for its potential health benefits, including boosting the immune system and fighting off diseases. 

The mushroom has a shiny, reddish appearance and is usually prepared as a tea, tincture, or in capsule form. While it's generally safe for most people, some might experience side effects, so it's always advisable to consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

How Does Reishi Affect Sleep?

Reishi is often hailed as a natural aid for better sleep. It impacts our sleep cycle by boosting the amount of non-REM deep sleep we experience and reducing sleep interruptions. Its calming properties may help reduce stress, indirectly leading to improved sleep quality. 

However, reactions can vary, and while some might find their sleep improved, others may not notice any significant changes. It's essential to consult your healthcare provider before introducing reishi as a sleep aid in your routine.

Are There Any Side Effects of Using Reishi for Sleep?

While reishi mushrooms are generally safe, they can sometimes cause side effects when used for sleep. These might include dry mouth, throat, or nasal area, itchiness, stomach upset, and dizziness. In rare cases, it can lead to more severe complications like liver toxicity. 

These reactions can vary widely among individuals. If you're considering reishi for sleep, it's crucial to start with a small dose, observe any changes or reactions, and consult your doctor.

What is the Recommended Dosage for Reishi?

The dosage of reishi mushrooms can differ substantially depending on the type of product used. For example, when using a dried extract, the recommended dose is typically tenfold less than the raw mushroom. 

To illustrate, a 50g serving of the actual reishi mushroom is roughly equivalent to a 5g serving of its extract. Daily doses of the extract generally fall within the 1.5g-9g range. 

Can I Use Reishi with other Sleep Aids?

Reishi mushrooms can be paired with other sleep aids, but it's essential to proceed with caution. Combining reishi extracts with sedative medications might heighten the overall sedative effect, leading to excessive drowsiness. 

It's also worth noting that certain supplements might interact negatively with reishi, causing unforeseen side effects. Therefore, it's always recommended to consult with your healthcare provider first to ensure you're not at risk of harmful interactions. This advice applies especially if you're already on prescribed medication for sleep or other health concerns.

 

We hope you enjoyed the article. If you are interested more about the many benefits of reishi for women and men, check out more information in our blog.