Lion's Mane and Sleep Issues - Does It Help?
Are you a constant sleepyhead who struggles with sleep and life balance? If so, you’re in for a treat! We all know how important a good night's rest is for our overall well-being; it’s like hitting the reset button for our bodies and minds.
Allowing your body to shut off means you can wake up feeling refreshed and ready to conquer the day. But what if sleep doesn't come so easily to you?
What if you struggle with a sleep disorder that leaves you tossing and turning all night? If you’ve not been able to get a full eight hours or are looking for a natural way to improve your sleep, keep reading.
This blog will explain why sleep is so important for optimal health as well as how Lion’s Mane mushrooms could be the sleep saviour you deserve.
What Is Lion’s Mane Mushroom?
Lion's Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) has grown in popularity due to its distinctive appearance and impactful health benefits. The name originates from its long, shaggy white tendrils, which look similar to fresh Lion's Mane mushrooms.
In addition to their culinary worth, Lion's Mane mushrooms attract interest due to their cognitive benefits that boost overall health and well-being.
These functional mushrooms are an important feature in traditional Chinese medicine as they are recognised for their natural, yet powerful, health benefits. Whether in cooking or as a supplement, Lion's Mane extract is unmatched.
What Are the Health Benefits of Taking Lion’s Mane Mushroom Extract?
Taking the correct dose of Lion’s Mane mushroom extract daily is a wise choice for improved cognitive function, immunity, gut health and overall well-being due to its long list of important health benefits. Here are some of the main benefits of Lion’s Mane you must know.
Improved Cognitive Function
Lion's Mane mushrooms are renowned for their ability to improve brain health. It has been shown to support memory, focus, and overall cognitive function, making it a popular choice for those looking to boost mental clarity and reduce brain fog.
Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) Support
Research shows that Lion's Mane mushrooms can promote the production of (NGF), a protein essential for nerve cell health and maintenance. It's been proven beneficial to those with neurological conditions or nerve damage.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Lion's Mane mushroom extract contains compounds that exhibit anti-inflammatory effects, which help reduce inflammation in the body. Lowering inflammation is linked to various health benefits, such as improved immunity and reduced risk of chronic diseases.
Digestive Health Support
Some studies indicate that Lion's Mane mushrooms promote a healthy gut environment by supporting beneficial gut bacteria. This can aid digestion and contribute to overall gut health, which is vital for nutrient absorption and immune function.
Positive Mood Influence
Lion's Mane mushrooms have been suggested to have positive effects on mood and mental well-being. It has proven to be effective at reducing feelings of anxiety and depression and promoting a sense of calmness and emotional balance.
Improved Sleep Quality
Lion's Mane mushrooms can improve sleep quality by reducing inflammation and promoting a calm state of mind, easing the transition into sleep.
It can also have anti-anxiety effects that help lower stress and promote heightened relaxation, leading to improved sleep patterns and avoiding the negative impacts of sleep deprivation.
Why Is Sleep Important?
Understanding the value of sleep is essential to our general well-being. It's a fundamental and natural mechanism required for effective functioning.
Sleep, like eating, drinking, and breathing, is necessary for sustaining good mental and physical health. During sleep, our brains heal and renew themselves, benefiting both our bodies and our cognitive processes. Adequate sleep is important to help:
- Boost our immune system, lowering the probability of illness
- Maintain a healthy body weight
- Reduce your risk of significant health issues, including diabetes and heart disease
- Reduce stress and improve mood
- Improve cognitive capabilities, which will result in higher academic or professional performance
- Improve your social interactions and connections with others
What Are the Most Common Sleep Disorders?
Sleep disorders can be a real pain to deal with when you’re just trying to get on with your life and be your best self. But everyone experiences sleep issues differently.
There are several sleep disorders to be aware of, each with different symptoms and severity. The most common types include:
- Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
- REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder (RBD)
- Narcolepsy
- Insomnia
- Sleep apnea
What Impact Do Sleep Disorders Have on the Body?
Sleep disorders can be detrimental to your health. This is because when you’re deprived of sleep, your energy levels and general well-being start to be affected.
The majority of the previously mentioned sleep disorders can lead to varying levels of sleep deprivation, whether it’s caused by the inability to fall asleep or the struggle to get enough deep sleep during the night.
Prolonged sleep deprivation can lead to major issues in physical and mental health. You might be surprised just how important sleep is to our everyday health. Without it, you might start to notice symptoms like...
- Reduced attention span
- Slowed thinking and memory issues
- Lack of energy
- Frequent mood changes
- Weight loss
- Heart palpitations
- Increased risk of heart disease
- Increased risk of chronic illnesses, such as type 2 diabetes
How Lion's Mane Can Support REM Sleep Stage
REM (Rapid Eye Movement) is much more than a cool band name. It’s the deep stage of sleep where dreams occur. Lion's Mane has shown its prowess in this area, too (such a showoff). A human study revealed that Lion's Mane improved REM sleep quality in individuals after eight weeks of regular use.
This is great news because REM sleep is positively essential for your brain activity, mental growth and memory. You can think of REM as the brain's dance party while the body is taking a break—you blow off some steam on the dance floor while your brain can file its notes in the back office.
So it’s no surprise that good REM sleep has been linked to improved learning, memory consolidation, and mood regulation.
Does Taking Lion’s Mane Make You Sleepy?
Like any supplement or medication, knowing if they will cause drowsiness is important to be able to plan the best time to take them. Taking Lion's Mane mushrooms will not make you sleepy. It's quite the opposite. We advise taking Lion's Mane extract in the morning for maximum benefits; click here to learn why.
Is It Safe to Take Lion’s Mane Before Bed?
Extracts from adaptogenic mushrooms have stimulating properties similar to those of coffee and energy drinks, and they can improve brain function.
Because of this, you should avoid taking a lion's mane mushroom supplement just before bed, especially if you’re sensitive to caffeine. This way, you can avoid restlessness.
Although it can reduce anxiety and, therefore, promote a sense of calm, taking it before bed is safe but not advised. In fact, taking Lion's Mane is safe in most cases. However, if you have a mushroom allergy or mushroom intolerance, consult a doctor or health professional.
What Is the Best Way to Take Lion’s Mane for Improved Sleep?
There are many different ways of consuming Lion’s Mane extract. Ultimately, the best way to take Lion's Mane for improved sleep depends on your preferences and lifestyle. Various methods include:
- Lion's Mane capsules
- Fresh Lion's Mane mushrooms
- Lion's Mane mushroom powder
- Lion's Mane mushroom coffee
- Lion's Mane herbal tea
Whichever method of taking Lion's Mane mushroom you prefer, consistency is key to experiencing optimal benefits for your sleep quality.
Improve Your Sleep Quality With Lion’s Mane
Tired of feeling tired? Do you wish you could improve your sleep routine? If you're in the market for better sleep, Lion's Mane extract might just be your new best friend.
This magical mushroom offers a range of benefits, from supporting the sleep-wake cycle to reducing inflammation, promoting calmness, and supporting brain health.
Whether you prefer it in supplement form, fresh from the kitchen, as a powder, brewed in your morning coffee, or sipped as a soothing herbal tea, there's a Lion's Mane option for everyone.
So, why not give it a try? Incorporate Lion's Mane into your routine, stay consistent, and watch as it helps you drift off into dreamland feeling refreshed and ready to conquer the day. Here's to brighter mornings and better sleep with our subscription of Lion's Mane capsules!
