Most people have an opinion on what can help to improve your sleeping pattern. From Grandma’s potions which are likely to involve alcohol, to ancient civilisations that use completely natural ingredients, there’s always something that comes highly recommended and comes with a steadfast guarantee to work. Despite these guarantees, many people still have trouble getting to sleep and are now turning to herbal remedies as an alternative, using supplements such as reishi mushroom extract. Wondering, “Can Reishi mushrooms help you sleep?
What is a Reishi Mushroom?
Reishi mushrooms have been used by Chinese and Japanese herbalists for over 2,000 years. They are normally found at the base of deciduous trees and are more common across Asia and far eastern countries. Because they have a tough, woody texture, the digestive system has difficulty breaking them down if consumed, so extracts are created and made into powder or liquid form, which can easily be incorporated into a regular diet. The properties of reishi mushrooms help with sleep as they calm and relax the body. Rather than making you drowsy, reishi mushrooms induce sleep naturally, so you wake up feeling refreshed and invigorated.
How Reishi Mushrooms Help With Sleep
Reishi mushrooms work with your body to regulate your cortisol level. Cortisol is the hormone that controls stress, and an increased level of the hormone can lead to stress and anxiety. If the cortisol level remains high, it can have the potential to disrupt sleep patterns. The composites within a reishi mushroom can have a calming effect, balance your hormone levels and boost your immune system. In turn, this lowers your cortisol level to a manageable point, and a lower level of stress can make for a better night’s sleep.
Stress plays a major role in sleep disorders and using reishi mushrooms on a regular basis can help keep this under control. In powder or liquid form, it can be added to meals as part of a balanced diet, or the mushroom itself can be infused with tea or coffee. This allows the mushroom’s properties to be released during the day, keeping watch over your stress level and inducing sleep at the right time.
Other Benefits of Reishi Mushrooms
Research is continuing into the full benefits of the reishi mushroom, and it is understood that the properties go much further than just assisting with sleep. They have been found to have cardiovascular properties, with compounds such as triterpenes having the ability to support blood pressure and manage cholesterol, as well as supporting the blood flow and oxygen intake in the myocardium (cardiac muscle). They are also known to support and boost the immune system by increasing the level of immunoglobin to produce a stronger reaction and increased response to the body’s natural defence against foreign cells, such as viruses and pathogens.
Incorporating Reishi Into Your Night-time Routine
Having an established night-time routine is an essential component of getting a good night’s sleep, and with a little support from reishi mushrooms, you have the potential to fall quickly into a pattern of quality and meaningful sleep. You can add reishi powder or liquid to your evening drink, adding almond milk or honey for taste. Alternatively, capsules are available as a supplement to your regular diet.