Sleep plays an essential role in health. A good night’s sleep encourages the body to recover and take on a new day. Unfortunately, many people have sleep problems and lack the rest they need. Insufficient sleep and poor quality sleep can be due to many factors, including sleep disorders, medical conditions, and even mental health struggles. People of all ages and backgrounds are affected by sleep issues, and the impacts can be far-reaching.
A majority of adults worldwide have some trouble with sleeping. A report shows that across 12 countries, 49% of adults feel they get enough sleep, but 80% wish their sleep quality was better. A low 10% of adults globally say they sleep “extremely well.” Adults between 18 and 64 need 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night, and adults over 65 need 7 to 8 hours. Despite this information, a whopping 35.2% of all adults in the U.S. report sleeping for less than seven hours per night.
Sleep allows time for our bodies and minds to rejuvenate. During sleep, the body repairs and regenerates tissues, builds bone and muscle, and strengthens the immune system. Sleep also plays a role in memory and learning. Not sleeping well affects our quality of life and may also increase mortality, and additionally is associated with several serious medical issues, including high blood pressure, obesity, heart attack, stroke, and mood disorders.
Mushrooms can support our human body and mind in countless ways—including helping us to get a good night’s sleep. The vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and other elements of mushrooms have been shown to support the health of our human body in some remarkable ways.
You probably didn’t think that mushrooms could be a potential addition to your bedtime routine until now. Some medicinal mushrooms, including reishi, lion’s mane, and cordyceps, could be what you need to start sleeping better. Science has much to say about how these mushrooms may affect your brain and sleeping patterns.
Check out how these three functional fungi can supercharge your slumber.
Mushroom 1: Reishi
Reishi, or Ganoderma lucidum, is one of the most popular mushrooms people consume for sleep benefits. Reishi is the “mushroom of immortality” because it’s widely known to be a powerful ‘shroom that betters sleep, reduces fatigue, and lessens stress.
Benefit 1: Reishi Helps You Fall Asleep Faster
Rodent studies show reishi extracts may help you fall asleep faster, sleep for longer and spend more time in non-REM sleep. Non-REM sleep includes the deepest phases of sleep, when your body does a lot of the critical recovery work for daily productivity, focus, and performance.
Benefit 2: Reishi Improves Deep Sleep
Reishi may also affect delta wave activity, which is associated with both the transition to and the period of deep sleep. This means fewer nights spent tossing and turning and waking up more refreshed.
Mushroom 2: Lion’s Mane
Lion’s Mane, or Hericium erinaceus, is generally associated with focus and productivity, but its unique effects on the brain could help overcome insomnia. Lion’s Mane is the “mushroom for the mind” because it serves as a rich source of neuroprotective properties that support healthy brain function.
Benefit 1: Lion’s Mane Reduces Anxiety & Insomnia
One study took this fungus against the chronic sleep issues that plagued eight Japanese undergraduate students. After taking a lion’s mane extract for one month, the group reported lowered anxiety and insomnia. Sleep quality also improved slightly.
Benefit 2: Lion’s Mane Corrects Circadian Rhythm Problems
Extracts of lion’s mane could also help correct circadian rhythm problems that result in delayed sleep phase disorder, a condition in which sleep patterns are delayed by two hours or more. This apparent balancing effect could be caused by BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), which is directly related to the duration and intensity of sleep deprivation. People who experience insomnia exhibit lower levels of BDNF.
Mushroom 3: Cordyceps
Traditionally, Cordyceps has been used for asthma, lack of energy, and liver, lung, and kidney support. So you might be wondering why it made the list of mushrooms for sleep? This fungus can also be beneficial for increased exercise performance and decreased fatigue.
Benefit 1: Cordyceps Regulates Sleep and Wakefulness
Cordyceps has a secret weapon that could lead to better rest called cordycepin, which may play a role in regulating sleep and wakefulness. Additionally, cordyceps reduce glutamine and acetylcholine levels, which could improve deep sleep and prevent unwanted wakefulness.
Benefit 2: Cordyceps Fastens Recovery From Jet Lag
Cordyceps can help you power through the most challenging parts of your day when fatigued. One study shows that cordyceps encourage faster recovery from jet lag and other forms of circadian rhythm disruption.
Medicinal mushrooms can nourish and support bodies and minds in countless ways, including helping us to get a good night’s sleep. Make it part of your nightly schedule once you discover the best mushroom supplement for your sleep routine. A good book, a cup of mushroom tea, and maybe even a Mushroom Design supplement could be just what you need to go from tossing and turning to sleeping like a baby.