The Power of Mushrooms for Better Sleep: A Natural Remedy

In a world where stress and busy schedules dominate, finding a natural way to unwind and enjoy a restful night’s sleep is becoming a necessity. If you're tired of turning to synthetic sleep aids that leave you feeling groggy the next day, there’s a natural solution that’s been used for centuries - functional mushrooms. 

Yes, you read that right. Functional mushrooms, like Reishi and Cordyceps, have been gaining popularity not only for their general health benefits but for their ability to help promote a better, more restful night’s sleep. 

In this guide, we’ll explore how functional mushrooms can aid your relaxation efforts and give you that deep night sleep you’ve been desperately seeking. 

What Are Functional Mushrooms and How Do They Help You Sleep? 

 

Functional mushrooms are the unsung heroes of the natural health world. Unlike the mushrooms that go in our pasta or pizza, functional mushrooms are known for their adaptogenic properties - meaning they help your body respond to stress and promote balance (1).

Mushrooms like Reishi and Cordyceps have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years, and are renowned for their ability to calm the mind, relax the body, and support overall wellness (2). What’s not to love here?

The Best Functional Mushrooms For Sleep 

When it comes to improving your sleep naturally, functional mushrooms are becoming a go-to remedy. These natural wonders are holistic and free from the side effects that you might find with over-the-counter sleep medications. 

But with so many options out there, it can be hard to work out which are the best functional mushrooms for sleep. Let us guide you. 

Reishi Mushrooms for Sleep: The Ultimate Sleep Support

If you’ve heard of Reishi mushrooms for sleep, you know they’re not just any ordinary mushroom. Reishi is a powerful adaptogen that has long been praised for its calming and stress-relieving properties.

Reishi works wonders in helping your body relax after a long, stressful day. When taken consistently, using Reishi mushrooms for sleep can help promote deep, restorative sleep. By reducing stress and anxiety, Reishi aids in calming the nervous system, helping you unwind before bed and fall asleep more easily (3). 

Want to find out more about Reishi, the calming elixir? Our ultimate guide has got you covered. 

Cordyceps Mushrooms for Sleep: Boost Your Day, Rest Better at Night

When you think about using Cordyceps mushrooms for sleep, you might be surprised. After all, Cordyceps is known for its ability to boost energy and stamina (40), so how could it possibly help you sleep? Well, Cordyceps isn’t just about morning energy; it plays a key role in balancing your energy levels throughout the day and night.

By enhancing overall vitality and reducing fatigue, using Cordyceps mushrooms for sleep supports a better night's rest by making sure your body isn’t overstimulated during the day. When you’ve got enough energy throughout the day, your body is naturally inclined to wind down and relax when it's time for bed. The balance Cordyceps offers can help you sleep soundly, avoiding restless nights.

Want to know more about Cordyceps, the performance booster? Our ultimate guide covers all the basics and then some! 

How to Use Functional Mushrooms to Support Deep Sleep 

The best part about incorporating mushrooms for sleep into your routine is how easy it is. You don’t need a complicated regimen - just a simple daily dose of Reishi or Cordyceps can work wonders. Here are some tips for getting started:

Mushroom blends: A warm cup of mushroom coffee or cacao before bed can be incredibly soothing. Sit back and relax with a Reishi infused DIRTEA Mushroom Coffee or DIRTEA Cacao, we promise you won’t regret it. 

Mushroom powders: Add a scoop or two of DIRTEA functional mushroom powders into your evening tea, smoothie or soup. It’s a sure-fire way to give your body the adaptogenic support it needs to relax without worrying about any side effects.

Check out more ways you can enhance your sleep routine. 

When using functional mushrooms to aid sleep and relaxations, remember, consistency is key. Like any natural remedy, the benefits of mushrooms for deep sleep accumulate over time. The more consistently you incorporate them into your routine, the better your sleep will become.

The Best Time to Take Functional Mushrooms to Support Sleep  

When it comes to incorporating functional mushrooms for sleep into your routine, timing can make all the difference. These natural sleep aids work best when taken at the right moment, allowing your body to benefit from their calming properties and helping you unwind before bedtime.

Here’s the best time to take functional mushrooms to support sleep:

Early Evening (1-2 Hours Before Bed)

The best time to start introducing Reishi mushrooms for sleep or Cordyceps mushrooms for relaxation is usually about 1-2 hours before bedtime. This gives the mushrooms enough time to kick in and start relaxing your body and mind, setting the tone for a long, peaceful night’s rest.

By this point in the evening, you’ve likely wrapped up your daily activities, and your body is starting to wind down. Taking your functional mushrooms at this time ensures they support your body’s natural rhythm, preparing it for deep sleep.

As Part of a Nighttime Ritual

If you’ve crafted the perfect bedtime routine - like dimming the lights, turning off your phone, reading your favourite book, or taking a warm bath - then why not make your mushroom intake part of this daily ritual?

A warm cup of mushroom tea or a mushroom-infused drink will perfectly complement your nightly routine. And if you haven’t perfected your nightly warm down yet, it’s never too late to start. 

Remember, taking mushrooms at the same time each night can help signal to your body that it’s time to rest, fostering a more regular sleep schedule.

Will Taking Functional Mushrooms for Sleep Make Me Feel Groggy or Cause Me to Oversleep?

Taking functional mushrooms for sleep like Reishi and Cordyceps will not typically make you feel groggy or cause you to oversleep. These mushrooms work by promoting relaxation and helping to calm your nervous system, but they don’t interfere with your natural sleep-wake cycle in a way that would lead to excessive sleep or grogginess.

In fact, Reishi is known for helping improve the quality of your sleep by supporting deeper, more restorative rest, while Cordyceps helps balance your energy levels, so you're more likely to feel refreshed rather than sluggish.

However, it’s important to take them at the right time (1-2 hours before bed) to give them the chance to work their magic without affecting your sleep too close to bedtime. Also, as with any natural supplement, how your body reacts can vary, so if you're new to using functional mushrooms for sleep, it’s always a good idea to start with a smaller dose and monitor how you feel.

If you do find yourself feeling groggy or oversleeping, it may be worth adjusting the timing or dosage.

Additional Benefits of Taking Functional Mushrooms to Aid Sleep 

In addition to their sleep-enhancing properties, mushrooms like Reishi and Cordyceps bring a host of other benefits to the table that make them worth adding to your wellness routine. These benefits include:

• Stress reduction: These mushrooms help calm the nervous system and ease the mind, making it easier to wind down.

• Immune support: Both Reishi and Cordyceps help support your immune system, which can prevent those restless nights caused by illness.

• Overall wellness: These mushrooms support a balanced, healthy body - which, in turn, promotes better sleep.

DIRTEA Functional Mushrooms

At DIRTEA, we believe in the power of nature to support wellness, and that includes sleep. Our functional mushroom blends, like Reishi and Cordyceps, are made with the highest quality, organic ingredients to ensure you're getting the full benefits of these powerful mushrooms. Whether you prefer a powerful mushroom blend, pure powder or the convenience of gummies we have a range of products to suit your needs. 

Level up your night time routine and explore DIRTEA Functional Mushrooms today. 

The Power of Functional Mushrooms for Sleep: Summary  

The power of mushrooms for sleep is undeniable. Whether you’re turning to Reishi mushrooms for sleep aid or exploring the benefits of Cordyceps mushrooms for relaxation and sleep, these natural wonders can help improve your sleep quality without the use of synthetic sleep aids. Their calming and adaptogenic properties make them perfect for promoting deep, restful sleep.

So, why not give mushrooms a try? With DIRTEA’s carefully crafted blends, you’re just a sip away from better sleep. 

Sweet dreams. 

Mushrooms for Sleep FAQs

Is it safe to take functional mushrooms for sleep every night?

Yes, it’s generally safe to take functional mushrooms like Reishi and Cordyceps every night, especially when consumed in recommended dosages. These mushrooms are natural, adaptogenic ingredients that support overall wellness without causing dependency or side effects.

How long does it take for functional mushrooms to improve sleep?

The effects of functional mushrooms like Reishi and Cordyceps may take some time to accumulate. Generally, you may start noticing improvements in your sleep quality within a few days to a week of consistent use. For best results, it’s recommended to incorporate them into your nightly routine for at least two to three weeks.

Can I take more than one type of functional mushroom at a time for sleep?

Yes! Many people find that combining Reishi and Cordyceps can be a powerful duo for enhancing both relaxation and energy balance. As long as you're mindful of the recommended dosage, taking different types of functional mushrooms can provide a synergistic effect, improving your overall sleep quality. 

Are functional mushrooms a better option than prescription sleep aids?

Functional mushrooms offer a natural, non-habit forming alternative to prescription sleep aids. Unlike pharmaceuticals, they work with your body’s natural rhythms to support restful sleep, without the risk of dependency or unwanted side effects. However, if you have severe sleep issues, it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider before making the switch.

Will taking functional mushrooms for sleep make me feel groggy or cause me to oversleep?

No, taking functional mushrooms for sleep like Reishi and Cordyceps will not typically make you feel groggy or cause you to oversleep. These mushrooms work by promoting relaxation and helping to calm your nervous system, but they don’t interfere with your natural sleep-wake cycle in a way that would lead to excessive sleep or grogginess.

References 

1. Panossian, A., Wikman, G. and Sarris, J. (2010) 'Herbal medicine: Biomolecular and clinical aspects', in Benzie, I.F.F. and Wachtel-Galor, S. (eds.) Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edn. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis, pp. 293–323. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92757/

2. Paterson, R.R.M. (2006) 'Ganoderma—a therapeutic fungal biofactory', Phytochemistry, 67(18), pp. 1985–2001. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16179193/

3. Yao, C. et al. (2021) 'Ganoderma lucidum promotes sleep through a gut microbiota-dependent and serotonin-involved pathway in mice', Scientific Reports, 11(1). Available at: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-92913-6 

4. Chou, Y.C., Ho, Y.S., Chen, H.J., et al. (2015) 'Cordyceps sinensis: A review on its pharmacological and clinical uses', Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, 5(2), pp. 151–157. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2225411015300335