5 minute read
Sleep is one of the four pillars of health; nothing works if sleep isn’t working. Yet, for so many of us sleep is difficult and it’s hard to find something that helps.
We know how we feel when we don’t sleep; groggy, grumpy, and a little sick. That’s because sleep is essential for the body to be able to detox from the day. When we don’t sleep well for extended periods of time, most of our organs start to suffer and we get sick and feel worse more often.
Chaga is an adaptogenic mushroom with an ancient history and many unique and potent health benefits. We wanted to focus on the benefits chaga has on sleep as we get loads of reviews from you guys telling us it supports your sleep!
Here are some ways chaga mushroom can help you to sleep;
- Regulation of Melatonin: Chaga contains compounds that may help regulate the production of melatonin, a hormone crucial for sleep-wake cycles
- Stress Reduction: Chaga's adaptogenic properties can help lower stress levels by modulating the body's response to stressors
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Chaga has potent anti-inflammatory properties that can alleviate inflammation-related conditions that may interfere with sleep, such as pain or discomfort.
- Antioxidant Activity: Chaga is rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress and protect against cellular damage, potentially improving overall health and facilitating better sleep regulation
Let’s dive a bit deeper into each of those!
Melatonin
Ready for a bit of science? Chaga regulates melatonin (our sleepy hormone) through its content of bioactive compounds (mostly polysaccharides and triterpenes). These compounds interact with the body's hormone system (including the pineal gland) which is responsible for producing and releasing melatonin. Chaga has been shown to stimulate the production of serotonin which then helps to produce melatonin. It can also help to regulate enzymes involved in melatonin synthesis.
That was a lot to take on - basically, chaga can effectively balance melatonin levels, promoting a more consistent sleep-wake cycle and enhancing overall sleep quality.
Stress reduction (adaptogenic)
Stress inevitably makes it hard to sleep. It creates all sorts of inflammation and imbalances in our body that keep us awake. Chaga contributes to stress reduction through its adaptogenic properties, which enable the body to better cope with various stressors. Those same polysaccharides and triterpenes involved in melatonin production, interact with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, a key system involved in the body's stress response. Chaga helps regulate the production and activity of stress hormones like cortisol, promoting a more balanced and adaptive response to stress. Through this, chaga can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and tension, inducing a sense of calmness and relaxation.
Anti-inflammatory + Antioxidant
Inflammation is much the same as stress in the way that it makes us feel dysregulated and wired-awake.
Chaga is a potent anti-inflammatory. Lots of its compounds target various inflammatory pathways in the body which inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory mediators. Through regulating these pathways, chaga helps reduce inflammation throughout the body.
Additionally, chaga's antioxidant properties scavenge free radicals and oxidative stress, which are closely linked to inflammation and tissue damage. This dual action of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity contributes to chaga's efficacy in mitigating inflammation and promoting overall balance in the body which can support restful sleep.
What time of the day should you take Chaga?
Generally Chaga does not make you feel asleep like other herbs do. It works more by modulating stress and inflammation over the long term. Because of this, it’s best to keep taking chaga, regularly, for at least a month to allow the effects to compounds in your body. This also means you don’t necessarily need to take it at night, it tends not to have a directly sleepy effect (but some people are quite sensitive!)
Chaga is a grounding, deep earthy taste, with a slight nutty-mushroom hint. It’s reminiscent of cacao and works really well in a hot cacao mix.
What do other people say?
We learned about chaga’s sleep-supporting benefit mostly through the feedback we get from you guys! Check out what others like you have to say;
Elizabeth P -
“Absolutely love this product helps me to sleep feel less fuzzy headed and concentrate tastes good too”
Naveen -
“Been buying the sea moss gel for a while now and use it as a face mask. My skin is always so soft after using it. I thought I’d also try out the chaga mushroom teabags. They taste really nice with a couple of sweetners. You can have it with coconut or almond milk, but I think it’s nicer on its own. It’s really helped with my anxiety and I’m definitely sleeping better. Will be ordering again.”
SD -
“I am absolutely loving all my products. Sea moss has clearly improved my energy levels withing 2 says of having it. Chaga tea has given me the best sleep I had in weeks. Costumer service is absolutely brilliant. I cannot recommend enough.”
We recommend trying earthy-chaga instead of a morning coffee, or in a warm cacao before bed!
Learn more about our suggestions for sleep here.