Can You Take Lion's Mane Before Bed?
If you’re having trouble sleeping but are hesitant to try mainstream sleep aids, you’ll be happy to know there are a variety of holistic options that may help you get better sleep. One such option is lion’s mane, a functional mushroom known for its cognitive enhancement properties.
While you may have already heard about the brain-boosting potential of lion’s mane mushroom, did you know that this fungus may also be able to help you get a good night’s rest?
Whether you already have a supplement routine or you’re new to the holistic health scene, keep reading to learn more about taking lion’s mane before bed and the impact it can have on your sleep quality.
Understanding Lion's Mane and Its Effects on the Body
Used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine practices, lion’s mane mushroom offers a variety of health benefits. Understanding the potential ways this mushroom may support both your body and brain function can help you decide how and when you want to integrate it into your wellness routine.
Here’s an overview of the positive impacts you may notice when taking lion’s mane.
Cognitive Benefits
One of the primary reasons lion’s mane has gained significant attention in the West is because of its potential to boost cognitive function and support brain health. Two compounds found in the mushroom’s fruiting body and mycelium (called hericenones and erinacines) indicate its ability to stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) production.[1]
NGF is vital for effective cognitive function and performance. It allows the brain to grow new cells and form new connections, in turn impacting creativity, concentration, memory, focus, and the longevity of the brain.
Impact on Sleep Patterns and Circadian Rhythm
Not only does NGF play an important role in the production of new brain cells, but scientific findings also indicate that it may play a role in the modulation of naturally occurring cycles of wakefulness and sleep (also known as your circadian rhythm).[2]
This means that consistent consumption of this potent mushroom may help your body maintain balanced sleep patterns, helping you fall asleep and wake up according to a regulated natural routine.
The Best Time to Take Lion's Mane
While there’s no wrong time to take lion’s mane per se, understanding the potential benefits of consuming it in the morning versus the evening can help you get the results you’re looking for from this medicinal mushroom. Discover how to take lion’s mane based on your goals.
Morning vs. Evening Intake
If you take lion’s mane in the morning or early afternoon, you may want to think of it as a caffeine alternative. Why?
It can provide your brain with cognitive support—assisting with things like memory and learning—without the dreaded caffeine crash.[3]
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a natural sleep aid, you’ll want to add this medicinal mushroom to your evening routine. But how does lion’s mane help with sleep?
Lion’s mane has the potential to support a variety of conditions and alleviate particular symptoms. For instance, you may experience:
- Mood regulation
- Mental clarity and reduced brain fog
- Better stress management
- Improved gut health
So, while lion’s mane may not directly impact sleep by causing drowsiness, you may find it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night with a balanced mood, less stress and anxiety, and fewer stomach troubles.
Factors Influencing Optimal Consumption Time
The consumption of lion’s mane mushrooms has been a vital part of holistic medicinal practices for centuries with no notable negative side effects. So, when it comes to optimal timing of consumption, you really can’t go wrong.
As mentioned earlier, you simply need to consider the benefits of lion’s mane you’re hoping to receive:
- For improved cognitive enhancement and mental clarity, try taking a lion’s mane supplement in the morning
- For assistance in achieving deep, restful sleep, you can take a lion’s mane supplement before you go to bed
Is It a Good Idea to Take Lion's Mane Before Bed?
If you’re curious whether it’s a good idea to take lion’s mane before bed, it’s important to understand the science behind this functional mushroom. Lion’s mane is regarded as an adaptogen, which means it contains compounds that may actively combat stress and inflammation, helping you unwind and achieve a more relaxed state before you head to bed.[4]
Additional research has also found that lion’s mane may be a natural and effective treatment for mood-related conditions like anxiety and depression, both of which can keep you up and make it difficult to relax before bed.[5]
Ultimately, if you notice that occasional stress has been hindering your ability to get a good night’s sleep, you may want to consider adding lion’s mane to your bedtime routine.
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Sources:
- Taylor and Francis Online. Hericenones and erinacines: stimulators of nerve growth factor (NGF) biosynthesis in Hericium erinaceus. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21501201003735556
- National Library of Medicine. The Role of Mesopontine NGF in Sleep and Wakefulness. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3189444/
- Medical News Today. Improving memory: Lion's mane mushrooms may double neuron growth. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/improving-memory-lions-mane-mushrooms-may-double-neuron-growth
- National Library of Medicine. Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Ethanol Extract of Lion's Mane Medicinal Mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Agaricomycetes), in Mice with Ulcerative Colitis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27481156/
- National Library of Medicine. Hericium erinaceus Extract Reduces Anxiety and Depressive Behaviors by Promoting Hippocampal Neurogenesis in the Adult Mouse Brain. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29091526/
About The Author
Jamal Bouie is an accomplished professional with a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry from Lemoyne-Owen College in Memphis. Currently, he is pursuing his PhD in Biomedicine at Salus University. Jamal has worked in several industries; he began his career in pharmaceutical manufacturing and transitioned to the cannabis industry, where he specialized in analytical testing and manufacturing, playing a vital role in ensuring product safety and compliance. Now, Jamal has turned his attention to the dietary supplement field, combining his scientific acumen with his passion for health and wellness.
