Yes, emerging evidence, including both anecdotal reports and some preliminary studies, suggests that Lion's Mane mushroom may increase REM sleep.
Some studies have observed that Lion's Mane may help reduce the time it takes to fall asleep, meaning we reach the REM stage faster. It may also help us stay in the REM sleep stage longer. Both of these things can help improve our overall quality of sleep.
A review of studies found that tryptophan supplements can help improve sleep quality at doses of 1 g or more. 5-HTP helped increase rapid eye movement (REM) sleep in studies, which may improve sleep quality. It also improved sleep in people with REM sleep disorders due to Parkinson's disease.
Lion's mane cons include mild digestive upset (nausea, diarrhea, stomach discomfort), potential interactions with blood-thinning and diabetes medications, risk of allergic reactions (rashes, breathing issues), and potential interference with blood sugar/clotting during surgery, necessitating doctor consultation, especially if pregnant, nursing, or having bleeding/diabetes conditions. Limited long-term research also exists, and some studies show potential cognitive slowdowns in certain tasks,.
Lion's mane doesn't contain caffeine, but it is a stimulant to help superboost your concentration. Therefore, it's best to take lion's mane mushroom in the morning or afternoon so you get the potent effects of focus and less brain fog.
Here are some potential interactions to be aware of: Bleeding Disorders: Lion's mane may exacerbate symptoms of bleeding disorders. Blood Thinners: Lion's mane may combine with blood thinners and amplify the effects to a dangerous level.
Lion's Mane can start working in about 1 to 2 weeks, improving focus and reducing brain fog. For deeper benefits, like better memory or nerve repair, you'll need to use it regularly for 2 to 3 months. Consistency is key to seeing the full results.
Some studies on rats and mice suggest the lion's mane, as well as other edible mushrooms, might improve lipid metabolism, which could potentially reduce weight gain.
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 is generally recognized as safe and has not been linked to serum enzyme elevations during therapy nor to episodes of clinically apparent liver injury.
Apart from not getting enough shut-eye generally, several other factors can contribute to a lack of REM sleep. Caffeine and alcohol are two common culprits. If you're taking opioids for pain management, that could also lead to a loss of REM sleep. Some antidepressants may interfere with REM sleep as well.
10 hours before bed: No more caffeine. 3 hours before bed: No more food or alcohol. 2 hours before bed: No more work. 1 hour before bed: No more screen time (shut off all phones, TVs and computers).
When taken by mouth: Lion's mane mushroom is possibly safe when used in a dose of 1 gram daily for 16 weeks. Side effects are mild and may include stomach discomfort.
Herbals for Insomnia and Anxiety
I've been taking this lion's mane with magnesium supplement for a few weeks now, and I'm genuinely impressed. The convenience of having both lion's mane and magnesium in a single tablet makes it so easy to fit into my daily routine — no juggling multiple pills in the morning.
Lion's mane cons include mild digestive upset (nausea, diarrhea, stomach discomfort), potential interactions with blood-thinning and diabetes medications, risk of allergic reactions (rashes, breathing issues), and potential interference with blood sugar/clotting during surgery, necessitating doctor consultation, especially if pregnant, nursing, or having bleeding/diabetes conditions. Limited long-term research also exists, and some studies show potential cognitive slowdowns in certain tasks,.
Lion's mane should not be combined with immunosuppressant medications. This is because the mushroom may boost immune system activity, according to WebMD. Those taking diabetic medication should also exercise caution when taking lion's mane due to its anti-hyperglycemic effect.
Reishi mushrooms, in particular, have calming properties that aid in sleep. These mushrooms are typically consumed in supplemental form and can be added to tea, coffee, or food. Look for products with concentrated extracts for maximum benefits. Consult a doctor before starting any new supplements.
Reducing anxiety and depression
The women who got the lion's mane cookies reported lower levels of depressive symptoms and stress compared to the placebo group. Hericenones and erinacines, two kinds of chemicals in lion's mane mushrooms, may be responsible for any antidepressant effect, researchers believe.
While you can take Lion's Mane, it is not officially recommended as a treatment for ADHD as not enough research or clinical trials have been done to conclusively prove it can help with this, and no trials have yet been done on children with ADHD.
Studies in mice have found that lion's mane extract improves fat metabolism and reduces triglyceride levels. Since obesity and high triglycerides are risk factors for heart disease, this is one way to explain why lion's mane mushrooms are good for heart health.
Ashwagandha is an excellent choice if you want to focus on anxiety and hair health. But if you're after something that lifts your mood and helps with mental clarity, Lion's mane is more suitable.
Wright notes that benefits may take up to a few weeks to be noticeable, so be patient and consistent with supplementation. To make sure they're working out for you, she suggests, "When you start taking lion's mane, keep track of any changes in mood, cognition, digestion, energy, or allergies."
“Lion's mane [may] help with stress by managing cortisol levels,” says Best. “Cortisol is known as the stress hormone; it is produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress. When this hormone is elevated for a long period of time, it can result in anxiety and other mood issues.”