Do you struggle to get consistent, high-quality sleep? While it may be natural to have difficulties getting restful sleep on some nights, being unable to get deep sleep regularly can have serious consequences.
With 50 million Americans suffering from at least one of the 80 different types of sleep disorders, novel and non-addictive solutions are required to combat this chronic issue [1].
Functional mushroom supplements can be an effective and safe alternative to sedatives or sleeping pills at night, and these same mushrooms have various other benefits for health as a bonus.
With busy lifestyles and never-ending to-do lists, it’s harder than ever to fully recharge your energy levels.
Even with the best bedtime intentions, you might find yourself staying up later than you intended. Or worse, you find yourself lying there wide-eyed and unable to fall asleep even though you’re exhausted.
Once asleep, it can be a struggle to stay asleep or to sink into the deeply restful slumber our brains and bodies need to work optimally.
We’ve all been there before. But what does this mean for your health? And how can mushroom supplements help?
You know sleep is incredibly important, so let’s dive into how mushroom supplements can help you get those sweet dreams you desire. Besides helping you get a good night’s sleep, there are even certain kinds of mushroom extracts that can help ease your mind into wakefulness and focus.
We’ll also show you how an easy-to-follow mushroom protocol can restore your natural circadian rhythm.
Your circadian rhythm is your body’s natural sleep and wake cycle. Essentially, it’s an internal clock that runs in the background – telling you when to go to sleep and when to wake up.
The problem is many people ignore their body’s sleep signs, which causes disrupted biorhythms. Eventually, this leads to an inability to fall or stay asleep and results in groggy, sluggish mornings.
Groggy mornings occur because you can’t get into deep sleep. This is because your hormones get thrown out of whack.
Your hormones are chemical messengers that allow your body systems to communicate with each other and signal internal processes that keep you healthy.
As you sleep, your body goes through various sleep cycles. In each cycle, you produce key hormones such as growth hormone (that helps you heal) and prolactin.
As that happens, other hormones, like cortisol and thyroid-stimulating hormone, are inhibited [2]. So, sleep is crucial for regulating hormone levels and keeping you balanced (a biological state called homeostasis).
Take melatonin, for example. Melatonin is a unique hormone because it’s secreted when it’s dark.
Then, you have cortisol that peaks in production in the morning and is intricately linked with your circadian rhythm.
Cortisol levels that are too high or too low can cause an array of sleep problems [4]. As you probably know, stress plays a big role in cortisol production, which is why those who experience chronic stress are likely to have an irregular sleep pattern.
The body's hormonal system responds to perceived and actual threats similarly by releasing stress hormones like cortisol, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. When irregular sleep patterns become a regular occurrence in your life, stress hormones add more weight to the variables that contribute to the risk of disease.
Over time, the constant release of these stress hormones can deplete your body’s resilience.
Hormones and Sleep: A 2019 study on sleep deprivation summarizes that the disruption in biorhythms and hormones from lack of sleep has “profound negative consequences on metabolism, the immune response, memory, and survival.”[5].
Not having a good night’s sleep can have serious consequences. After all, it’s no secret your body needs quality sleep each night to function properly.
But many don’t realize how, over time, a lack of sleep or disrupted circadian rhythm can make you really sick. Even jet lag can take a toll on you [6].
It makes a ton of sense when you think about it; we’ve evolved with the rhythms of the sun.
Now, you might not be surprised to learn that poor sleep has been associated with [7]:
Since sleep and hormone regulation are so intertwined, it makes sense that a chronic lack of sleep and the ensuing disruption of the biological processes that support homeostasis may play a role in such a variety of health conditions.
Sleep is so important to bio-regulation that just one night of sleep deprivation increases the accumulation of proteins (β-amyloid) in the brain that are associated with Alzheimer's disease risk. Thus, it is easy to see how the accumulated burden on the body from chronic sleep deprivation has the potential to lead to illness [8].
The good news is there is a natural and safe way to support your body’s healthy sleep and wake cycle.
Mushroom supplements have played a critical role in supporting natural sleep cycles for centuries. In fact, functional mushrooms have an impressive list of benefits, including increased energy, longevity, and increased immune function – to name a few.
Before we discuss this topic, let’s consider the fact that not all mushroom supplements are created equal.
While some companies claim their product is made of mushrooms, many are actually made from mycelium – which is the mushroom root structure. Be on the lookout for products that aren’t made from the actual mushroom or fruiting body, and instead use grains and mycelium.
Mushroom supplements need to be sourced from the mushroom (fruiting body) for maximum potency and therapeutic effects.
Functional mushrooms have many active compounds that assist in sleep and provide a slew of powerful health benefits. Some of these compounds include:
To reap the benefits of these compounds, be sure you’re purchasing only the highest quality functional mushrooms from reliable suppliers.
Mushroom supplements’ adaptogenic properties make them a sought-after product for anyone who is health-conscious or looking for natural remedies for common ailments. Adaptogens help to balance your body by promoting homeostasis of both body and mind (specifically, the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal-axis).
They also relieve stress and support cortisol production. For this reason, studies have found adaptogens act as sleep aids [10].
As you can see, mushrooms are a true health powerhouse for the human body.
That’s why we’ve made an easy-to-follow protocol to enhance your overall circadian system and improve sleep. This helps you achieve deeply restorative sleep states and leaves you feeling energized throughout the day.
The protocol uses reishi mushrooms at night with lion’s mane and cordyceps mushrooms in the morning to stabilize and support healthy biorhythms.
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is often called the “mushroom of immortality.” It’s widely known to be a powerful functional mushroom for bettering sleep and reducing stress and fatigue.
You might be surprised to learn that reishi mushrooms have been around for over 2000 years. The Chinese used them to enhance calmness and were even a favorite remedy of Chinese royalty for increasing longevity.
Even after all these years, we still recognize the health benefits of consuming pure mushroom extracts.
Get Professional Help: Keep in mind that taking mushrooms for sleep disorders is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure medical illnesses. It’s always important to consult your primary healthcare provider if you need medications or treatment for your condition.
If you’re taking reishi mushrooms for sleep, It’s best to use reishi mushroom supplements each evening before bed.
Because of this mushroom’s beneficial properties, it regulates your natural biorhythm. This gets you into a deeper state of rest and leaves you feeling rejuvenated in the morning.
Reishi mushrooms’ immunomodulatory properties also help us deal with external stressors. This, in turn, helps us enter deep sleep. Reishi can be used for insomnia, aging, and other various ailments [11].
In addition to being great mushrooms for sleep, functional mushrooms are considered to have anti-fatigue functions. Reishi itself has rich antioxidant properties that can help promote the balance of biological systems to reduce fatigue [12].
Conveniently, reishi comes in mushroom supplement form if you can’t have easy access to fresh or dried products. Our Real Mushrooms Reishi Supplement is made from 100% pure, organic reishi mushrooms and has no added fillers. You simply place some into your favorite smoothie, favorite drink, or add to a recipe.
We also have an entire page dedicated to incorporating our Real Mushrooms supplements into different drinks and foods.
A delicious treat we think pairs nicely with our reishi extract is CBD hot chocolate. This warm drink is comforting and soothing after a long day. The CBD Total Body Care capsules have added curcumin and magnesium to promote a healthy inflammation response and a feeling of calmness.
Our customers have evaluated and enthusiastically shared how taking our reishi mushroom extract supplements has helped them:
“This product was recommended by my doctor to calm anxiety. It really helps! I take it every day before bed.” - Ruth
“I've tried a few other brands, and Reishi 415 is by far the best. I take 2 capsules every night before bed, and I have the best sleep I’ve had for years. I wake up refreshed with a calm, focused energy that lasts all day. The company’s customer service is also excellent.” - Stephen
“I love this product. It really allows me to fully relax and wind down after a long day of work.” - Jessica
Incorporating reishi mushrooms into your nighttime routine sets the tone to help you fall asleep. And if you choose to drink reishi, there’s nothing like a warm, calming beverage to relax you before bed.
It's important to make well-informed decisions when it comes to purchasing reishi mushroom supplements. With misinformation in the marketplace, it’s crucial to know where your mushrooms come from.
Check that they are sourced from 100% mushrooms – the fruiting body – and are third-party tested. At Real Mushrooms, our reishi mushrooms have higher levels of medicinal compounds than other products on the market.
Real Mushrooms Reishi 415 Bulk Powder passes all these standards. We pride ourselves in offering only the best in mushroom supplements at a purity level you won’t find elsewhere.
Go ahead and compare our product with competitors’ to see the difference. You might be surprised at how little actual mushroom is inside some mushroom supplements.
Lion’s mane is known as the “mushroom for the mind.” It’s a rich source of neuroprotective and immunomodulatory properties. These properties make it a strong supporter of healthy brain function.
Besides helping you fall asleep, lion’s mane may help improve overall mental function and memory. People of advanced age can take it to help improve recall and thinking skills.
Other issues that lion’s mane may be beneficial for include cognitive decline, depression, anxiety, and blood sugar regulation. It works by improving the function and development of nerves within your body and can even stimulate the growth of new brain cells by stimulating the production of nerve growth factor (NGF) [13].
Lion’s mane also works by advancing the sleep-wake cycle and decreasing wakefulness during the active phase of sleep (REM). Therefore, taking lion’s mane mushrooms before bed could help with delayed sleep phase syndrome [14].
In addition, lion’s mane has further immune-modulating properties that help us deal with external stressors. This, in turn, helps us achieve more restful deep sleep.
Take lion’s mane mushrooms in the morning when you wake up as part of your daily routine. This helps to restore your biorhythm by keeping you alert and priming your brain for optimal function. Some people are also taking lion's mane before bed and say it helps with getting restful sleep.
There are no added fillers in Real Mushrooms’ 100% organic Lion’s Mane Mushroom Extracts. This ensures you get the full nutritional effects of the product, giving you a full night’s sleep.
To consume, add some to a yummy beverage or treat. Or, you can “stack” our Lion’s Mane Extracts with CBD Total Body Care capsules to give you an extra, non-stimulant, cognitive boost just when you need it.
Incorporating Lion’s Mane Extracts into your morning routine ensures you’re ready to take on the day with a clear mind. The added benefit of regular use of Lion’s Mane is its longer-term brain-protecting properties. Whether you add it to a beverage or food, you’re sure to enjoy its potent health benefits.
Real Mushrooms’ customers have experienced substantial energizing and mind-enhancing effects from Lion’s Mane.
“I have used the lion’s mane in my matcha latte for the last six months. I do not have brain fog, and I have no afternoon slump. My processing and retention of information are much better. People at work have actually asked me how I do it! I have switched from other suppliers of mushroom supplements to Real Mushrooms, and I can feel the difference.” - Michelle
“Real Mushrooms Lion's Mane is amazing. Within 10 minutes of use, I feel a positive rush and a boost in my mood. Throughout the day, I feel more focused and don’t get that afternoon fog anymore. I would definitely recommend their products to anyone.” - Gareth
“So far, I have had great success supplementing with these mushrooms. Vitality!!!! And clear energy. Not stimulating, yet feels as if you are reaching into the soil and pulling strength from the earth. Highly recommend” - Parker
“I take 3 capsules a day, and my mind feels sharper, and I get less brain fog (which has been a big problem when I don't sleep well enough, so most of the time now). I tried 3 different brands so far, and this seems to be the most potent of the bunch.” - Olli
As with reishi mushrooms, it’s so important to be aware of what you’re purchasing when you get mushroom supplements. Look for extracts derived directly from the mushroom (fruiting body) to ensure they have high levels of beneficial compounds [15].
Real Mushrooms Lion’s Mane Extract contains no fillers or additives. You can rest assured that our Lion’s Mane Extracts are practitioner-approved and third-party tested. When you combine the sleep-enhancing effects of reishi mushrooms with the cognitive-enhancing benefits of lion’s mane mushrooms, you can effectively support your biorhythms.
Mushroom Powder Recipes: For your enjoyment, we have an easy-to-follow recipe video for two different ways to make Vegan Mushroom Golden Milk. Both recipes include either reishi mushrooms or Lion’s Mane, which are combined with other adaptogenic ingredients to make a delicious, visually appealing, healthy drink.
Cordyceps mushrooms can quickly reset biorhythms, particularly when dealing with jet lag.
Studies show it helps adjust to time changes to lessen the biological effects of jet lag. Cordyceps is able to cross the blood-brain barrier, causing rapid induction of the circadian phase.[16]
Traditionally, Cordyceps have been used for asthma, lack of energy, in addition to liver, lung, and kidney support. But cordyceps are also beneficial for increased exercise performance, immunomodulation, and for decreasing fatigue.
True Cordyceps sinensis isn’t present in 99% of supplements currently because its price tag is so high. It’s the most expensive mushroom in the world, ringing in at over $22,000 per kilogram.
Therefore, Cordyceps militaris is the species you will commonly find in your supplements. Cordyceps militaris has similar benefits to Cordyceps sinensis without the astronomical price tag due to the ability to cultivate it economically at scale.
Use cordyceps mushrooms by adding servings of mushroom powders to your favorite beverage or taking them in capsule form. Real Mushrooms produces both forms, and our powder is also hot water-soluble, which means you can add it to hot tea or coffee without the worry of clumps forming.
You can always double-up on the mushroom types you use to maximize the variety of benefits you get. Taking both of our Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps Extracts together can increase their energizing and bio-regulating effects.
Our Real Mushrooms customers often share their results from using our Cordyceps supplement.
“I absolutely love the cordyceps because taking it has helped me immensely with my adrenal fatigue. It has increased my energy 10-fold! I put it in my cold-brew coffee as well as my smoothies, and it tastes fantastic. Thank you, Real Mushrooms!!!” - Ariel
“Stopped drinking coffee and love the natural energy that comes from the mushrooms.” - Gail
“These Cordyceps capsules are how I start every day now. It took about two weeks for the full effects to be realized, but my energy level and recovery time have never been better! "Real Mushrooms, helping people ditch caffeine" - Jay
“I take a capsule of Cordyceps as a pre-workout or sometimes to fight off fatigue without drinking coffee, which can make my anxiety worse. The clean, non-jittery energy it provides is more than I expected from a mushroom supplement. I would suggest to try this if you have problems with focus or fatigue.” - Travis
“Real Mushrooms Cordyceps Extract deducts 20-30 years from my 73 years. Amazing booster for energy & activity level. After witnessing how much it increases my energy & activity levels, my wife & sisters are now taking R-M Cordyceps Extract. They also reported increased energy… Added to my morning coffee-then it’s like blast-off for the day!” - David
At Real Mushrooms, we offer Cordyceps-M - 60g Bulk Powder and Cordyceps-M Capsules. Both products are genuine, 100% organic Cordyceps militaris mushrooms. They contain more than 25% beta-glucans, meaning what you get is pure, potent mushroom benefits, no fillers.
If you’re not getting the quality, restorative sleep that you need to conquer the day, then functional mushrooms may be the right choice for you.
They’re packed with a health-boosting punch to not only reset your natural sleep and wake cycle but to benefit all areas of your health – making it clear why functional mushrooms have been used for thousands of years.
Mushroom supplements are extraordinarily safe and rarely produce undesirable side effects. However, it is always important to check with your doctor before taking any new supplement, especially if you are taking prescription medication.
Even if mushrooms have few potential drug interactions, Reishi may not play well with anticoagulants or blood pressure medication, for example [17].
Giving functional mushrooms a try is a good, non-habit-forming solution if you are struggling with regulating your sleep and need to improve your daytime wakefulness. You deserve to experience for yourself the natural, healthful properties of pure mushroom supplements.
If you’re a fellow mushroom lover or have questions about what mushrooms can do for you, comment below and tell us all about it. We love to hear from people just like you who want to experience the health benefits functional mushrooms have to offer.
.Disclaimer: The information or products mentioned in this article are provided as information resources only, and are not to be used or relied on to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information does not create any patient-doctor relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. The information is intended for health care professionals only. The statements made in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Any products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information in this article is intended for educational purposes. The information is not intended to replace medical advice offered by licensed medical physicians. Please consult your doctor or health practitioner for any medical advice.