What are the benefits of microdosing with psilocybin for sleep problems?

Are there benefits to using microdosing for sleep problems? Many people report sleeping better and feeling more at ease by microdosing. What is the effect of microdosing on sleep, and how can it be used for sleep problems? In this blog, we’ll explore this.

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 influence your sleep pattern, REM sleep, and deep sleep phase. Scientists are still trying to determine the exact effects of this substance on sleep.

The benefits of microdosing for sleep problems

Microdosing is a natural remedy increasingly used for sleep problems. Psilocybin may help regulate your sleep pattern, potentially leading to longer and deeper sleep. But microdosing can also 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 crucial for renewal and maintaining good cognitive function. Psilocybin promotes neuroplasticity, which in turn influences sleep patterns, particularly REM sleep and deep sleep. These are, in turn, important for regulating emotions and storing memories.

Personal stories

In 2011, James Fadiman conducted research among microdosing users. Reports indicated that participants slept longer and deeper, specifically on the night after taking a microdose. Some reported falling asleep faster and waking up more rested when microdosing.

How best to use microdosing for sleep problems?

Do you want to benefit from microdosing and are you experiencing 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.
• Monitor your sleep quality: for example, write down how you slept each morning or use a sleep tracker or smartwatch. With this data, you can adjust your microdosing routine if needed.
  

Are you curious and want to try microdosing? It’s a safe method, and microdosing generally causes few side effects, especially if you follow the Fadiman routine. Opt for a high-quality supplement; check our shop for options. And if microdosing isn’t quite right for you? In our Healthshop, under Sleep, you’ll find many more natural supplements that can help with sleep problems, such as Sleepwell Gummies, valerian, or Night Time complex.