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Sleep disorders3 Best Chamomile Supplements for Insomnia & Sleep DisordersSleep disorders, such as insomnia, make many other issues worse. People who suffer from sleep problems feel pain more intensely, find it harder to concentrate and focus, and have a higher risk of a variety of serious health disorders including hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and heart disease (1).
Many of the medications given for sleep disorders have serious drawbacks, such as daytime drowsiness, dependence, and rebound insomnia. Alternative medicines like chamomile come in many forms and can act as a gentle sleep aid with none of the drawbacks of western medicines.
Read on to learn more about the best chamomile supplements for relieving sleep problems.
1 Chamomile Drops
Chamomile drops are usually part of a tincture, a therapeutic substance suspended in alcohol—vital to remember if you have alcohol allergies, are abstinent from alcohol, or intend to treat a child. The drops may be diluted with water, but they're best used sublingually.
» Looking for a natural sleep aid? Try our Beauty Sleep Drops with chamomile, CBD, and functional mushrooms
2 Chamomile Essential Oil
There are two strains of chamomile:
Roman
Used more in makeup and skin therapy.German
The more researched chamomile, used internally more than externally.
Aromatherapy Applications
There are two common ways of using chamomile essential oils for aromatherapy: diffusing and pillow sprays.
Diffusing
A diffuser in the bedroom is an effective method as it ensures that you are inhaling the chamomile throughout the night.Pillow sprays
Pillow sprays are one of the most popular ways of using chamomile. You can make a spray using 10-15 drops of essential oil per ounce of water in a glass spray bottle—plastic bottles may become damaged by the oil.
Aromatherapy can be a great way to decrease anxiety and deal with sleep disorders due to its low risk and accessibility.
Topical Applications
Topical applications of chamomile are usually used for eczema, psoriasis, or diaper rash, though they can also be used for wound healing (2).
Some people use the oil neat on their pulse points in order to lower anxiety and help with sleep disorders. To get the best effect, inhale deeply for a few moments and repeat regularly until sleep arrives.
3 Chamomile Tea
More than 1 million cups of chamomile tea are consumed each day as one of the oldest functional plants, and there is much anecdotal and scientific evidence that suggests its ability to decrease anxiety, aid sleep, settle digestion, and even regulate blood sugar. Not all teas are alike, however, so it's essential to look for a high-quality tea and then prepare it properly.
Though you can use tea bags, chamomile brews can also be prepared from the loose dried chamomile flowers. First, take a heaping teaspoon of the flowers in 2/3 cup of boiling water for 5-10 minutes and then strain the flowers out. Add additional water or honey to adjust the taste as needed.
There isn't a clinically recommended dosage of chamomile as it depends largely on the individual, but some research suggests 200 mg to 1100 mg of German chamomile extract has been used to lower anxiety and improve sleep.
» Learn more: The benefits of chamomile tea for sleep
Choosing the Right Chamomile Supplements
Choosing the right supplements depends on your reasons for using chamomile. In sleep disorders, capsules are a common method of use (3). However, a warming cup of tea can also add to the sleep-inducing properties of chamomile and help form part of a nightly routine. For the best results, adding a way of inhaling the essential oil will also increase its effectiveness.
Chamomile can be used in multiple ways at the same time. As long as you are careful about dosage, this will deepen the effects. Though, with so many choices, it's up to you to try out different methods and see what works best for you.
» Looking for more alternative sleep therapies? Learn more about CBD and functional mushrooms for sleep and the best natural sleep aids
Sleep disordersHow to Use Reishi Mushrooms for SleepReishi mushroom (also known as Lingzhi or Ganoderma lucidum) is sometimes referred to as the Mushroom of Immortality due to its long list of health benefits. One of these claimed benefits is that red Reishi mushrooms can be used as an aid to improve sleep quality, but is there any truth to this?
This article looks at the science behind how Reishi mushrooms can help you sleep, the best ways and products to do so, and some other mushrooms that offer similar benefits.
Do Reishi Mushrooms Help With Sleep?
For ages, Chinese therapeutic traditions have esteemed Reishi fungi, categorising them as 'shen tonics' instrumental in harmonising bodily functions, placating the psyche, and fostering restful slumber. Contemporary scientific inquiry corroborates the notion that Reishi indeed possesses sleep-promoting virtues.
Several factors contribute to sleep quality, and this adaptogenic mushroom may improve a few of them.
How Reishi Directly Affects Sleep
REM (rapid eye movement) sleep is essential to health and longevity as this is the phase of sleep that stimulates the areas of the brain associated with learning and memory. In fact, science has shown that sleep deprivation can lead to premature death.
Research into the direct effects of Reishi on sleep has found that it increases the time of non-REM sleep and the quality of REM sleep. Although scientists aren't entirely sure how it does this, the evidence suggests strong efficacy in using Reishi for sleep. That being said, it's important to understand that Reishi will not make you feel sleepy in the way that pharmaceutical sedatives and sleeping pills will.
How Reishi Indirectly Improves Sleep Quality
Aside from the direct effect on sleep, Reishi may also combat insomnia by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. A study by the US National Library of Medicine tested the benefits of Reishi mushroom extracts on the well-being and perceived quality of life in cancer patients. Although the study wasn't looking directly at mood disorders, the recipients reported improved overall quality of life due to reductions in anxiety and depression. It stands to reason that a general improvement to mood will likely yield improvements to sleep routine and quality.
When to Take Reishi for Sleep
One of the most popular questions about functional mushrooms is when you should take them to yield the best results. Unfortunately, it doesn't quite work in the way you might expect. The benefits of Reishi mushrooms don't appear shortly after consumption in the way that they might with pharmaceutical drugs. The benefits take time to accumulate as your body adapts to the biological compounds.
What matters more than the time of day that you take them is the frequency. Since the benefits are not immediate, it's best that you take them every day. Whether you're making Reishi mushroom tea before bed or mixing some Reishi powder into your morning coffee, consistency is the essential factor.
Reishi Mushroom Products for Sleep
Similar to the timing, there is no best way to consume Reishi mushrooms. However, unlike some other functional mushrooms, they aren't suitable additions to meal recipes due to their woody texture and taste. As such, you'll likely find all Reishi mushroom products to exist in the form of powders, tinctures, supplement capsules, or dried and intended for tea brewing.
If you're looking for specific products to help you sleep, try our custom products that combine the power of functional mushrooms with CBD oil for maximum benefit:
Our Beauty Sleep Drops include soothing chamomile extractsOur Relax Drops for stress relief include soothing chamomile and lavender extracts
Reishi Mushroom Dosage for Sleep
Despite the growing research into the different benefits of Reishi mushrooms, no studies have looked at how the benefits change depending on dosage, nor have they specifically studied the side effects. Unfortunately, all we can do is extrapolate from the common doses used in successful scientific trials.
With that in mind, traditional practitioners recommend the following ranges:
Up to 1g/daily for general healthUp to 5g/daily for chronic illnessUp to 12g/daily for serious illness
Although the range is quite large, the mushrooms appear relatively safe, even at higher doses. Additionally, most supplements and extracts will come with recommended doses listed on the packaging, so long as you are purchasing from reputable sources.
Other Mushrooms That May Be Good for Sleep
Reishi is just one of the many functional mushrooms that seem to benefit sleep. If you're looking to combine a few, the other functional mushrooms we use in our stress relief and sleep support products are:
Lion's ManeShiitakeTurkey TailCordyceps militarisEnokitakeShimeji
All of these mushrooms are capable of helping individuals who have difficulty sleeping. While there is no "best mushroom for sleep," all of them seem to exhibit some degree of benefit in this regard.
If you're feeling apprehensive, weighing up the benefits and side effects of Reishi and other functional mushrooms should reveal that the long list of advantages far outweighs the reportedly low risk. If you are still unsure, it's best to consult with a medical practitioner to receive a more personalised recommendation.
FAQs
How does Reishi help sleep?
Reishi mushrooms contain compounds known as triterpenes, which have a calming effect on the nervous system. This adaptogenic fungus aids in stress reduction and cortisol regulation, thereby promoting a tranquil state conducive to sleep. It's often used to improve sleep quality and duration. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalised advice.
How much Reishi should you take for sleep?
The dosage of reishi mushroom for sleep can vary between individuals and formulations. Common recommendations often suggest consuming 1 to 1.5 grams of reishi extract daily, usually taken an hour before bedtime. However, it's essential to consult a healthcare provider for a personalised dosage plan, especially if you're taking other medications or have underlying health conditions.
What time should I take Reishi for sleep?
For optimising sleep quality, it's generally advised to take reishi approximately one hour before you intend to go to bed. This allows time for its calming effects to influence your nervous system. However, individual responses can vary, so it's crucial to consult a healthcare provider for tailored advice.
How long does it take for Reishi to work for sleep?
The time required for reishi to manifest its sleep-enhancing effects can differ among individuals. Generally, it may take a few days to a couple of weeks to notice a substantial improvement in sleep quality. For some, incremental changes may become evident within a night or two. Consult a healthcare provider for personalised guidance.
Sleep disordersAnxiety and Sleep Disturbances: Why Anxiety Feels Worse at NightAnxiety and sleep problems have long been connected—in fact, serious sleep disorders like insomnia have long been recognized as a common anxiety symptom (1). This is largely due to the fact that anxiety feels worse at night for many people. While some experience sleep disturbances because of their fear of nightmares, others may stay up late worrying about their problems while lying in bed.
No matter the cause of your nighttime anxiety, its prolonged effect on sleep is very likely to offset more serious sleep disturbances. To avoid bigger health problems, it's important to recognise the issue in time and take the right steps to resolve it.
» Losing sleep due to anxiety? Here's how to improve deep sleep and get rest
Why Is Anxiety Worse at Night?
During the day, we have lots of things to distract us from anxiety—seeking out positive experiences and even exercising can provoke an endorphin high that helps ward off anxious feelings. On the other hand, when we're alone in bed at the end of the day, it can be harder to turn off our anxious thoughts. This is when our fears and worries can come into sharp focus, making anxiety feel more extreme.
Nighttime anxiety also increases the release of the stress hormone cortisol, which makes us even more wakeful and raises the probability of insomnia. What's more, other conditions like nightmare disorder or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can also flare up when you go to sleep, making your anxiety feel worse at night than at daytime and causing sleep disturbances (2).
» Find out if lack of sleep is making you more anxious
How Does Anxiety Impact Sleep?
Your sleep can be impacted if you experience the following anxiety symptoms during bedtime:
Fear and worry about the futureRestlessnessIncreased heart rateSweatingStartling easily
These symptoms can affect your sleep in different ways, including causing difficulty falling asleep or waking you up in the middle of the night. Either way, not getting enough sleep as a result of these symptoms can lead to chronic sleep deprivation, which is associated with various serious health issues (3).
Coping With Nighttime Anxiety
To increase the possibility of good sleep when you have anxiety at night, try practicing these strategies:
Breathing exercisesRelaxation techniquesMeditationMindfulness
Whatever strategy you choose to cope with nighttime anxiety, make sure to have excellent sleep hygiene as well. This means you should create an optimal sleeping environment with a good temperature, pleasant smells, and comfortable bedding. In addition, try decreasing the use of electronics before bed and keeping a regular sleep schedule for the best results.
» Try these meditation techniques to improve deep sleep
Overcome Nighttime Anxiety for Better Sleep
Anxiety is often connected to chronic sleep deficiency precisely because it's usually more difficult to manage during the the night than at daytime. However, once you've recognised the problem, you can try out different coping strategies to try and soothe your nighttime anxiety and improve your sleep quality.
If you find these issues don't decrease by applying good sleep habits, make sure to seek professional help. Overcoming sleep deprivation needs to be a priority, as it can impact your overall health and play an important role in your anxiety problems in general.
» Find your ideal wellness routine
Sleep disordersFrom Restless to Restful: Effective Parasomnia TherapiesParasomnias are disruptive sleep disorders that include unusual physical events that interrupt sleep or occur while transitioning in or out of sleep.
In addition to preventing healthy rest by disrupting sleep, parasomnias can be dangerous to the person experiencing them and the people around them. For example, sleepwalking has led to people being badly injured and even killed (1). For this reason, it's important to find effective parasomnia treatments and avoid any adverse effects.
What Are the Symptoms of Parasomnia?
Parasomnias can be either REM-related or non-REM related.
REM parasomnias: These occur during the REM or dream sleep phase. Such parasomnias include intense nightmares, violent behaviours as a response to bad dreams, and recurrent isolated sleep paralysis.Non-REM parasomnias: Characterized by physical and verbal components, non-REM parasomnias usually include conditions like sleepwalking, talking in your sleep, or sleep-related eating disorders.
Although each disorder has unique symptoms, all parasomnias share some common elements, like having difficulty sleeping through the night and experiencing daytime fatigue.
» Not sure if you're sleep deprived? Here are the signs and solutions
5 Parasomnia Treatments That Work
1. Maintaining Good Sleep Hygiene
Practicing good sleep hygiene means developing habits that promote restful sleep. This can include having a regular sleep schedule and making your environment conducive to sleep by eliminating noise, adjusting your lights, and increasing physical comfort.
Good sleep hygiene can be an effective parasomnia treatment because it can ensure no other sleep-disrupting issues contribute to your parasomnia (2).
» Learn more: Strategies to increase deep sleep
2. Behavioural Therapy
Behavioral therapy involves targeting maladaptive responses (unhealthy coping strategies like drugs and alcohol) and substituting adaptive responses (like meditation techniques and other healthy sleep habits)i. This therapy has been shown as particularly effective for treating non-REM parasomnias, and it uses a combination of approaches like scheduled awakenings, mindfulness-based stress reduction and relaxation, and other cognitive-behavioural sleep treatment strategies (3)(4).
3. Lifestyle Changes
One way to reduce the impact of parasomnias is to reduce any factors that can lead to other sleep issues. In addition to instituting sleep hygiene, altering other lifestyle factors can help. For example, avoiding alcohol can help reduce parasomnias because alcohol causes sleep disturbance. Similarly, avoiding caffeine except first thing in the morning is also really useful, as caffeine is a known sleep disruptor.
If you're taking any medication, make sure to adhere to recommended dosages. Also, remember that sleep medications are only a short-term solution, and taking them over a longer period of time than prescribed can further aggravate your condition.
4. CPAP Treatment
Parasomnias appear to be more common in people with sleep apnea, particularly disorders like sleep hallucinations and night terrors (5). In such cases, a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy can help decrease the effects of parasomnias.
This treatment involves a machine that applies mild air pressure to keep your airways open while you sleep so that you breathe continuously throughout the night. Steady breathing can improve sleep quality, reducing the symptoms of parasomnias.
5. Undergoing Hypnosis
Hypnosis involves being put into an altered state of relaxation, which is known as hypnotic trance. This state makes a person more susceptible to suggestion, which is why it can be used to treat various disorders when conducted by a professionally trained therapist. However, you can also learn self-hypnosis and focus yourself into this observant relaxed state.
Hypnosis has been demonstrated to work well with parasomnias, particularly when it's professional hypnotherapy (6). Most positive outcomes have been linked with sleepwalking and sleep terrors, but hypnosis is also effective with sleep-related eating disorders, sexsomnia, and vocal sleep disorders like sleep-talking.
» Discover the difference between light and deep sleep
Sleep Soundly With Effective Parasomnia Treatments
Parasomnias can cause chronic sleep deprivation, which can negatively impact your physical and mental health. However, effective parasomnia treatments not only ensure that you'll be well rested but also decrease the likelihood of injury to yourself and others while experiencing parasomnia.
To get the best results from your treatment, it needs to be tailored to your individual needs. So, make sure to consult a professional and find out the best course of action for your specific condition.
» Need help figuring out your perfect wellness routine? Let our quiz help
Sleep disordersAfraid of Falling Asleep? 6 Tips for Coping With Sleep Phobia and AnxietyPeople suffering from sleep anxiety and sleep phobia can find falling asleep terrifying. While those with sleep anxiety may experience feelings of worry over going to sleep, people with somniphobia (sleep phobia) have a more intense, irrational fear of falling asleep. Those with sleep phobia often experience extreme anxiety, breathing difficulties, mood swings, difficulty concentrating, feelings of impending doom, and even panic attacks. On the other hand, people with sleep anxiety usually show symptoms like irritability and restlessness.
Both sleep phobia and sleep anxiety can impact your physical and mental health and lead to long-term sleep deprivation, so it's important to try out different coping strategies to avoid their negative effects.
» Get your wellness back on track with our quiz
1. Incorporate Exposure Therapy
As sleep phobia is at its core no different than any other phobia, it can be helpful to try the treatment of choice for phobias—exposure therapy. This approach involves being gradually exposed to what you fear, helping slowly diminish the fear and anxiety until the phobia finally resolves itself.
In the case of sleep phobia, the exposure treatment would usually require you to initially imagine restful, trouble-free sleep and then move on to taking shorter naps before finally achieving longer sleep periods.
» Learn how much sleep you need each night
2. Try Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioural therapy is used to eliminate any negative feelings by changing your thoughts and behaviours in relation to your issue. When it comes to applying CBT to sleep phobia and anxiety, you'd need to talk to a therapist to identify the negative thought and behaviour patterns that contribute to your problem and learn how to change them.
3. Maintain Good Sleep Hygiene
Good sleep hygiene involves multiple elements coming together to promote overall healthy sleep practices. For instance, it can include having a stable bedtime routine and establishing a set bedtime and wake time. You should also create an inviting sleep environment with comfortable bedding, optimal room temperature, and no unwelcome noises. Finally, try not using your phone or other electronics for 90 minutes before sleeping to give your brain time to wind down.
Maintaining good sleep hygiene can help manage sleep phobia or anxiety in various ways, such as promoting restful sleep through your adjusted environment. What's more, getting used to a set nighttime routine can signal to your brain that it's time to go to sleep so it becomes more receptive to the idea of sleep as something positive.
4. Rely on Relaxation Techniques
Winding down so you're ready to sleep can be difficult even under normal circumstances, let alone if you're terrified of sleep. However, relaxation and mindfulness techniques can help calm down your mind and body, opening you up toward the possibility of falling asleep more easily.
Deep breathing, guided mindfulness meditations and body scan exercises are all worth trying to help you get past your sleep phobia and anxiety and achieve rest more quickly.
» Try these meditation techniques to increase deep sleep
5. Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise is a proven way to reduce anxiety in general (1). Not only is exercise distracting enough to prevent feeling anxious but it also decreases muscle tension and raises heart rate, which helps release anxiety-reducing chemicals like serotonin, GABA, BDNF, and endocannabinoids.
Exercising regularly can be especially helpful for dealing with sleep phobia or anxiety because it also tires you out, which makes falling asleep easier physically.
6. Make Lifestyle Adjustments
Make sure your life habits aren't making it even harder for you to fall asleep. Sometimes, altering your lifestyle can help you combat your phobia of sleeping or sleep anxiety. For example, cutting down on your alcohol and caffeine intake can help improve your sleep quality, as both substances are known as possible sleep disruptors.
What's more, you should be extra careful with your sleep medications and avoid taking higher dosages when you don't feel sleepy or reducing your dosage if you don't want to sleep. Taking your medication only as prescribed can help ensure you get the most out of the medication, making approaching sleep easier.
Overcome Your Fears for Peaceful Sleep
In addition to being exhausting disorders that can impact the quality of your daily life, both sleep phobia and sleep anxiety are also potentially dangerous because they can lead to chronic sleep deprivation with symptoms like nausea.
Using a combination of different coping strategies seems to have the best effect in helping overcome the fear of sleep regardless of its cause. However, if your sleep phobia or anxiety is especially intense and coping techniques aren't helping, it's always best to consult a professional to get targeted support.
Sleep disordersSleepless Nights: Can You Function on 3 Hours of Sleep a Night?A good night's sleep is essential for both physical and mental health (1). In fact, chronic sleep deprivation can cause a host of health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, anxiety, and depression (2).
Unfortunately, many people don't get restful sleep as a result of various problems like dealing with anxiety disorder, sleep disorders, and depression. On the other hand, some people have sleep difficulties caused by alcohol or substance abuse, while others experience sleepless nights due to mental illnesses like bipolar disorder.
» Find your personalised wellness routine
What Happens When We Don't Get Enough Sleep?
We sleep in cycles each night, and each stage of sleep is important to our overall sleep quality and health (3). For a good night's sleep in adults, four to five sleep cycles need to be completed, with each stage taking about 90 minutes. There are four sleep stages (five if you include wakefulness):
WakefulnessNon-REM 1 (light sleep)Non-REM 2 (deeper sleep)Non-REM 3 (deep sleep or delta wave sleep)REM sleep (rapid eye movement sleep)
Experts recommend that adults have a minimum of 7 hours of sleep each night (4). Getting less sleep than you require on a regular basis can lead to chronic sleep deprivation, which can have many negative effects. These include the increased risk of diabetes, kidney disease, heart conditions, stroke, depression, irritation, and anxiety disorders.
» Want to ensure restful sleep? Here's how to improve your deep sleep
Is 3 Hours of Sleep Enough?
The short answer is—no, it's not enough on a regular basis. However, whether three hours of sleep a night is enough will depend on the person, as not everyone reacts the same to lack of sleep—some people may even feel more rested and productive when they sleep less. That being said, although they seem able to function on three hours sleep per night, this doesn't mean their health isn't negatively impacted.
Generally, getting only three hours of sleep a night won't seriously affect you if you only do it on isolated occasions—what's more, it's better than getting no sleep at all. Nevertheless, this isn't a sustainable practice in the long run, and it can have serious consequences on your overall health if you get into the habit of doing so often.
» The dangers of sleep deprivation: learn about sleep deprivation headaches and nausea
How to Cope With Sleepless Nights
You may be able to manage three hours of sleep for one or two nights, but you should consider possible solutions if this lack of sleep persists. Finding out what's causing your sleep problems and taking the necessary steps to address them can help you prevent sleep deprivation and improve your sleep quality.
While coping with sleepless nights can require different tactics depending on the underlying issue, these are some general strategies you can try:
Make sure to have a regular sleep schedule (go to sleep and wake up at the same time)Create a sleep-friendly environment in your bedroom (adjust the lights, temperature, and bedding)Use sleep aidsTry relaxation techniquesPractice mindfulness and meditation
» Try these meditation techniques to increase deep sleep
Make Sure to Get a Good Night's Rest
Three hours of sleep for one or two nights won't necessarily cause health issues, but it can wreak havoc on your health and sleep routine and sabotage your sleep quality in the long-term.
Getting at least 7 hours of sleep per night as recommended by experts will not only reduce the risk of serious sleep-related health issues but also enhance your mood and increase productivity. If you're unable to stick to the recommended amount of sleep, make sure to consult a professional and get to the bottom of what's causing your sleep issues to reap the benefits of staying well-rested.
Sleep disordersCBD and Functional Mushrooms for Sleep: Benefits, Side Effects, Usage, and MoreThe importance of adequate sleep duration and quality is well known. Sleep deprivation can trigger and exacerbate mental conditions like anxiety, depression, and physical health conditions like diabetes and heart disease. While various natural techniques are proven to improve your sleep quality, sometimes the use of natural sleep aids is also required.
This article looks at two particular components, non-psychoactive cannabidiol (CBD) and functional mushrooms, how they can help you sleep, and how you should go about using them.
How CBD and Functional Mushrooms Could Benefit Sleep
CBD and functional mushrooms are capable of directly improving the quality and duration of sleep, while also aiding sleep through various indirect means.
Directly
The body has a built-in system of receptors (protein structures that respond to certain substances and transmit signals) designed to respond directly to cannabinoids (like CBD), aptly named the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This particular system is thought to modulate various physiological functions in the body. Although researchers aren't entirely sure how exactly CBD can help sleeplessness, studies have shown that it is a well-tolerated sleep aid with a surprising success rate.
The ways functional mushrooms benefit sleep are even less clear than that of CBD. Still, they are primarily thought to result from the powerful components found in all mushroom species, such as polysaccharides, polyphenols, and others. Additionally, different functional mushrooms seem to benefit sleep in different ways, meaning that there is no "best mushroom for sleep." For more info, read our posts about the following functional mushrooms and how they might benefit sleep:
ReishiLion's ManeCordycepsTurkey Tail
Both CBD and functional mushrooms can benefit sleep on their own; however, our research has suggested that they are better used in combination as CBD appears to reduce sleep latency and make it easier for users to fall asleep, while functional mushrooms appear to improve the quality of that sleep.
Indirectly
Often, poor sleep quality can be a result of several other factors like poor tolerance to medications, environmental disturbances, mood-related disorders, and chronic pain. In contrast, neither CBD nor functional mushrooms can improve every one of these factors, research has suggested that they may be beneficial in dealing with pain and various mood-related disorders.
For more info, read our post about CBD Oil and Functional Mushrooms for Anxiety and Stress Relief.
Best CBD and Functional Mushroom Products for Better Sleep
Knowing which mushrooms are right for you and how to combine them with CBD for optimal effect can be stressful. At Cannabotech, our experts spent over ten years designing our M2CBD formula that combines CBD with certain mushroom extracts and other therapeutic compounds in easy-to-use forms such as tinctures, sprays, and creams. For more info about the specific mushrooms we use and why, read Functional Mushrooms and CBD for Stress and Anxiety Support.
To purchase a specific product, either browse our store or pick from any of the following:
Beauty Sleep Drops with extra chamomile for improved sleep quality.Relax Drops with added chamomile and lavender for better relaxation before bed.Uplift Drops with lemon balm to help raise your mood and promote easier sleep.Unwind Muscle Rub to help relieve tension in sore muscles and stimulate relaxation.
How to Use Cannabotech Products for Better Sleep
The golden rule for CBD usage is that you should start small and work your way up incrementally until you find what works for you, meaning that there isn't necessarily a "best CBD oil for sleep." Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer here as everyone is different and will react differently to each substance. However, the benefits of functional mushrooms for sleep don't occur through the same mechanisms as pharmaceutical sleeping pills. The benefits of mushrooms tend to accumulate over a prolonged period, meaning that there is no best time of day to take them.
What works for one person will not necessarily work for another, and so it's up to you to use some trial-and-error to figure out what time of day works best for you.
As for the method of application, tinctures operate best when taken sublingually. Although you can add a few drops to a glass of water or other beverage, ingesting them takes comparatively longer to work than sublingual usage and has a reduced bioavailability (the amount of a substance your body can utilise).
Potential Side Effects of CBD and Functional Mushrooms
When buying sleep aids of any kind, there is always a risk of potential adverse reactions, and CBD and functional mushrooms are no different. Although both substances are generally well tolerated by people of all ages, you can never be sure. So you should always check with a doctor if you are unsure of your predispositions and risk factors. Although it is essentially impossible to overdose on CBD or functional mushroom extracts (unless you have an allergy), there are a few side effects to keep in mind.
Documented side effects from CBD include:
Dry mouthReduced appetiteDiarrhoeaSomnolence (drowsiness, sleepiness, or fatigue)
Additionally, CBD exhibits a biphasic effect, meaning that different doses can exhibit different results. This suggests that, although it can be beneficial for conditions such as anxiety and insomnia, taking too much could actually worsen the symptoms. As such, CBD can make you tired and energetic, depending on the optimal dosage. Thankfully, research has suggested that the severity of these side effects is low and ceased after the treatment was stopped, even in children.
Documented side effects from functional mushrooms vary, but can include:
Gastrointestinal issues (diarrhoea, upset stomach, and vomiting)Rash (in some extreme cases, such as Shiitake dermatitis)
It should also be noted that most adverse reactions from mushrooms usually occur in individuals with fungal allergies or when the mushrooms are consumed raw. Additionally, the safety of functional mushrooms over extended periods (longer than one year) has not been sufficiently researched.
Furthermore, extra caution should be shown by the following people:
ChildrenDiabeticsPeople with bleeding disordersPeople with mould allergiesPregnant or breastfeeding mothers (as there is no evidence to suggest the safety of these substances with this group of people)
Sleep disordersThe Best CBD Products and Dosages For SleepCBD products can affect people differently—what works for one person might not work for another. Although research on CBD is still in its infancy, there are promising results suggesting that it can be a beneficial natural sleep aid.
How to Use CBD for Sleep
CBD comes in many different forms and products, all with their own advantages and disadvantages, though the most popular are:
Tinctures/oilsSupplements/ediblesVape juicesTopicals (creams, lotions, etc.)
Technically, the product with the highest bioavailability (the amount of a substance your body can use) and speed of effect is inhalation (vaping), but this places elevated risk on your lungs and airways and is not recommended.
On the other hand, supplements and edibles have the longest-lasting effect but comparatively lower bioavailability. Creams and other topicals have the lowest bioavailability and speed of effect. Still, they could be a helpful addition in treating localised pain (in the case of arthritis) or inflammatory skin conditions.
The overall best type of CBD product is tinctures or oils applied sublingually.
Correct Dosage of CBD for Sleep
Finding the right dose of CBD to help you sleep is often a case of trial and error. The general rule is to start with a low dosage, try it for a week, and increase the dosage slightly if you don't feel a change. Then, continue increasing the dose every few days until you get the desired results, but you shouldn't exceed the recommended daily maximum of 70mg CBD.
Recommended CBD-Containing Products for Better Sleep
Highly recommended CBD products containing sleep-promoting ingredients can be bought from Cannabotech's online store. Our patented M2CBD formula utilises pharmaceutical-grade CBD with extracts of the best functional mushroom species and other therapeutic components in easy-to-use products. For more info about how this combination may relieve your insomnia, read CBD and Functional Mushrooms for Sleep: Benefits, Side Effects, Usage, and More.
As for specific products, try any of the following:
Relax Drops infused with lavender and chamomile extractsBeauty Sleep Drops with Chamomile to support relaxation
Potential Side Effects of Using CBD for Insomnia
People often wonder if the benefits of CBD for improving sleep quality naturally mean that it will cause feelings of grogginess or exhaustion as a side effect. Some individuals indeed experience somnolence (drowsiness) as a side effect, but this usually goes away after the individual gets used to it—or if treatment is stopped. Research has shown that even children didn't have lasting effects once they stopped taking CBD.
In fact, some studies have actually shown that CBD can promote feelings of wakefulness and enhanced focus in some individuals. This suggests that different people won't all react identically to CBD—and that positive and negative effects can exist. The important thing is that even when side effects do occur, CBD is not considered dangerous, and the risk of consuming a toxic dose is almost nonexistent.
That being said, side effects you should watch out for (other than somnolence) include:
Dry mouthReduced appetiteDiarrhoea
Final Note
If you have severe insomnia, or if you're trying CBD for the first time, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor. With the right product and the correct dosage, CBD could help you relax, fall asleep, and stay asleep through the entire night.
Sleep disordersReview: Do CBD Sleep Drops Work and What to Look Out ForFalling asleep and staying asleep can be difficult, especially if you suffer from stress and anxiety. The good news is that preliminary research suggests that sleep drops could help some people with sleep disorders.
Effectiveness
Research has shown that CBD sleep drops may have a calming effect, reduce anxiety and possibly improve your night’s rest. There are people out there who feel that CBD works for them, and there are some who don't; it all depends on your unique bodily system.
What to Look for When Buying CBD Sleep Drops
The following steps serve as general guidelines:
Only buy from a reputable company that doesn't make unrealistic medical claims. Choose a product that has been third-party tested, and make sure that it contains little to no THC. (Especially if you tend to be anxious.)Read reviews from other people who have used sleep drops.Look for drops that contain other sleep-promoting ingredients like lavender or chamomile.
Tips for Taking Sleep Drops
Dose: Start with a low dose and work your way up until you get the desired effect. 15-30 Relax Drops can be taken up to 3 times a day as needed. However, be careful not to exceed the maximum recommended daily intake of 70mg CBD.Type of CBD: Look for THC-free CBD isolate or broad-spectrum CBD.How to take sleep drops: Place sleep drops under your tongue, hold for about 1-2 minutes, then swallow. Take the drops as needed throughout the day to relax or about 60 minutes before bed.Form of CBD: Taking CBD tinctures sublingually has high bioavailability, and it efficiently reaches your bloodstream.
Best CBD Oil for Sleep
Relax Drops are created with chamomile and lavender extract, and Beauty Sleep Drops contain chamomile to support relaxation. These drops may help you unwind before bed and get a more restful sleep. Both contain functional mushrooms (lion’s mane, reishi, and cordyceps), which can improve your stress response.
Cannabotech's stress and sleep support products are made with THC-free hemp extract. They're also vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and sugar-free.