Are there benefits to using microdosing for sleep problems? Many people report sleeping better and feeling more comfortable by microdosing. What is the effect of microdosing on sleep and how might you use it for sleep problems? In this blog, we address that.

How exactly does microdosing work?

Magic mushrooms or shrooms contain the mind-altering substance psilocybin. In higher doses, this substance causes you to hallucinate. But it also brings certain benefits, such as improvements in mood, creative thinking and new connections made in the brain. Those who want to enjoy the benefits of psilocybin, but do not want to trip, can microdose.

When you microdose, you take a very small dose of psilocybin from magic mushrooms or truffles. Thus, while you may notice psilocybin’s effect, you don’t notice its mind-altering properties. Microdosing brings several benefits: it can help improve concentration and can have a positive impact on mood, anxiety, stress and stuck patterns. But what is the effect on sleep?

Psilocybin can interact with serotonin receptors. Even at low doses, psilocybin can affect your sleep patterns, REM sleep and the deep sleep phase. Scientists are still trying to figure out exactly what its effects on sleep are.

The benefits of microdosing for sleep problems

Microdosing is a natural remedy that is increasingly being used for sleep problems. Possibly psilocybin can help regulate your sleep patterns, where it can cause you to sleep longer and deeper. But microdosing can also help improve sleep in other ways:

Inhibiting anxiety and positively affecting mood

Psilocybin is associated with improving mood and inhibiting anxiety. This can have a positive effect on sleep. People who microdose report feeling more upbeat and less anxious. As a result, they suffer fewer disruptions to sleep.

Polito and Stevenson conducted research in 2019 among 98 participants who microdosed with psilocybin. They filled out a survey indicating how they felt. This also showed that their mood improved and they felt less anxious. Microdosing can therefore potentially help with depression, OCD, mood disorders, anxiety and PTSD. If you suffer less from such symptoms, it will also make for a better night’s sleep.

Neuroplasticity

The term neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to form new neural connections. This is important for renewal and cognitive function. Psilocybin promotes neuroplasticity, which in turn affects sleep patterns, especially REM sleep and deep sleep. These, in turn, are important for regulating emotions and storing memories.

Personal stories

James Fadiman conducted research among microdosing users in 2011. Reports showed that participants reported that they slept longer and deeper, and that was just the night after they microdosed. Some reported that when they microdosed, they fell asleep faster and woke up more rested.

How best to use microdosing for sleep problems?

Do you want to take advantage of the benefits of microdosing and suffer from sleep problems? Here are some tips to get the most out of your microdosing routine.

• Pay attention to timing: preferably take your microdose in the morning. That way there is little chance of psilocybin disrupting your sleep pattern and it can actually have positive effects.
• Use the microdosing routine, taking a dose every 2 days. This will prevent habituation.
• Keep track of your sleep quality: for example, write down how you slept every morning or use a sleep tracker or smartwatch. With this data, you can adjust your microdosing routine if necessary.
  

Have you become curious and want to microdose as well? It is a safe method, microdosing generally causes few side effects, especially if you also use the Fadiman routine. Go for a high-quality supplement, check out our shop for options. And maybe microdosing isn’t something that suits you after all? In our Healthshop under Sleep you will find many other natural supplements that can help with sleep problems, such as Sleepwell Gummies, valerian or Night Time complex.