Taking Lion's Mane Before Bed: Here's Why It's Not Recommended

Lion's Mane mushroom, scientifically known as Hericium erinaceus, has gained widespread attention for its potential health benefits, especially its nootropic effects. This remarkable fungus is praised for its ability to enhance cognitive function, promote nerve regeneration, improve symptoms of depression, and support overall brain health.

However, while Lion's Mane offers significant benefits, taking Lion's Mane at night might not be the best option for everyone seeking restful sleep. If you’re considering Lion's Mane before bed, it's important to note that its stimulating properties could interfere with sleep quality.

So, if you're wondering, "Can you take Lion's Mane at night?" the answer is yes, but it may not be ideal for everyone, especially those sensitive to its effects. Here are the details:

• Lion's Mane offers significant cognitive advantages, but its stimulating effects and potential caffeine content may disrupt sleep if taken before bed.

• Consider consuming Lion's Mane during the day to maximize its cognitive benefits without compromising sleep quality.

• Explore other mushrooms like reishi for nighttime use, as they might better support relaxation and promote a restful night's sleep.

Before delving into its nighttime implications, let's acknowledge the impressive benefits of lion's mane. This fungus has garnered attention primarily due to its potential as a nootropic, a substance believed to improve cognitive function.

Research suggests that lion's mane mushrooms may stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein crucial for the growth and maintenance of nerve cells. This neurological support could potentially aid memory, focus, and overall cognitive abilities, making it an enticing mushroom supplement for those seeking mental acuity.

In addition to supporting NGF, here are some other benefits that may be linked to regular Lion’s Mane consumption:

• Enhanced Cognitive Function : Known as a nootropic, it may improve memory, focus, and overall cognitive abilities.

• Nerve Regeneration Support: Stimulates nerve growth factor (NGF) production, aiding in nerve cell maintenance and potential regeneration.

• Brain Health : Supports overall brain health and may protect against age-related cognitive decline.

• Potential Mood Enhancement: Some studies suggest it could positively impact mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

• Digestive Health: May contribute to digestive health by supporting a healthy gut microbiota.

• Immune System Support: Contains compounds with potential immune-boosting properties, aiding in overall immune function.

Unfortunately, there's no clear cut answer to whether taking lion's mane before bed is a good idea. Instead, it varies depending on individual factors, like how sensitive you are to lion's mane's energizing effects. 

Some people may not tolerate lion's mane late in the day, while others may benefit more from taking lion's mane in the morning and at night. There are potential benefits either way - it mostly depends on your preference and experience.

If you want to try lion's mane before bed,  go ahead and start with a standard dose and take it consistently for a few days. Then determine if you experience any negative or positive effects on your sleep cycle before continuing.

There isn't much evidence to help us understand the impact that lion's mane may have on sleep. Some sources suggest that it may have mildly stimulating effects that could disrupt sleep, while other research indicates that mushrooms can help improve poor sleep in those suffering from mood disorders and anxiety.

For instance, one study found that lion's mane may actually improve sleep in those suffering from mood disorders and anxiety.

A similar study revealed that lion's mane may be a practical nighttime choice for those suffering from anxiety or depression.

Despite its cognitive-enhancing potential, consuming lion's mane before bed might not be conducive to a restful night's sleep. Here’s why:

One primary reason to not take Lion’s Mane before bed is its focus-enhancing effects. Lion's mane is renowned for promoting mental clarity and alertness. Some theories even suggest that it has very mild psychedelic effects, though it doesn't produce hallucinations.

While these effects are highly desirable during the day, they might not align well with the winding down process necessary to get enough sleep at night. The stimulating properties of lion's mane could interfere with the body's natural sleep phase transition, making it harder to wind down.

Another factor contributing to lion's mane's unsuitability before bedtime is the varying caffeine content found in certain lion's mane supplements. Some formulations combine lion's mane with other compounds, including caffeine, to further amplify cognitive effects.

While caffeine can be a great stimulant for increased focus and energy during the day, its presence in lion's mane mushroom supplements can inadvertently disrupt sleep patterns if taken close to bedtime.

Most supplement manufacturers recommend taking Lion’s Mane mushrooms in the morning. This is primarily because many people have daytime commitments and could benefit from the cognitive and energy boost that Lion’s Mane offers to enhance productivity throughout the day.

However, some people have found that taking lion's mane at night is a better fit for their schedule.

You wake early and perform cognitive tasks soon after waking up. This may include students, working professionals, athletes, and more.

You think you may benefit from the stress-reducing effects of lion's mane, perform cognitive tasks later in the day, or believe lion's mane may fit better in your nighttime routine (and you don't experience negative sleep effects).

Yes, some people may benefit from taking Lion’s Mane both in the morning and at night. 

A study showed that older adults with mild cognitive impairment who took Lion’s Mane powder three times a day for 16 weeks experienced significant cognitive improvement compared to those taking a placebo. This suggests that continuous use of Lion’s Mane can sustain its cognitive-enhancing effects.

For those experiencing cognitive decline, Lion’s Mane might be worth considering. It is known for stimulating nerve growth factor (NGF), which supports cognitive function and repairs damaged neurons. This makes it a promising natural option for addressing neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, and multiple sclerosis.

Considering lion's mane's stimulating properties and the potential inclusion of caffeine in some products, its optimal usage may be during the daytime. Taking lion's mane earlier in the day allows individuals to harness its cognitive benefits without compromising their sleep quality.

By incorporating it into morning or midday routines, users can potentially maximize its effects on focus, memory, and overall cognitive function without risking sleep disturbances.

Lion’s Mane may pair nicely with other mushrooms and nootropics to create a multifaceted supplement stack. For instance, pairing Lion’s Mane with Cordyceps may enhance its cognition and energy-boosting effects. Pairing it with L-Theanine or Alpha-GPC, on the other hand, may promote more intense focus.

For those seeking nighttime supplements that promote relaxation and support better sleep, adding specific mushrooms to your diet like reishi or chaga might be more suitable.

Mushrooms like reishi and chaga have gained recognition for their calming and sleep-supporting properties. Reishi contains compounds believed to have a soothing effect on the nervous system, potentially aiding in relaxation and facilitating a smoother transition into sleep.

Choosing mushrooms specifically for evening consumption might offer the desired support for a more restful night without compromising sleep quality. Then, you can still take Lion’s Mane and other cognition enhancing nootropics in the morning. In fact, this multi-pronged approach may be the most effective way to use medicinal mushrooms to your advantage.

While Lion's Mane is known for its cognitive benefits, taking Lion's Mane mushrooms for sleep might not be ideal for everyone. The stimulating effects of Lion's Mane before bed could interfere with your ability to fall asleep or maintain a deep sleep.

If you're wondering, "Can you take Lion's Mane at night?" the answer is yes, but it may not be the best choice for those sensitive to its effects. To balance Lion's Mane's benefits and prioritize sleep, consider using Lion's Mane during the day and explore other mushrooms like Reishi for nighttime support. This approach allows you to enjoy the advantages of Lion's Mane while helping you get a better night's sleep.

Yes, it is generally okay to take Lion’s Mane mushroom extract at night, but individual responses can vary. Some people find it calming, while others might feel more alert.

While some users report improved sleep quality when taking Lion's Mane for anxiety, its energizing effects mean it's typically better suited for daytime use.

The best time to take Lion’s Mane mushroom depends on your goals. If you’re looking for cognitive enhancement or focus, the morning or early afternoon is ideal. However, if you’re exploring its potential calming effects, you might consider taking it in the evening.

Reishi mushrooms may be the best choice before bedtime due to their calming and adaptogenic properties that support relaxation and sleep.

Reishi is generally better for sleep because of its calming and stress-reducing effects. Lion’s Mane extract is more commonly used for cognitive support and may not have the same sedative properties as Reishi.

A light snack that includes complex carbohydrates, a small amount of protein, and healthy fats can be beneficial. Examples include a small bowl of oatmeal, yogurt with nuts, or a banana with almond butter. Avoid heavy, spicy, or sugary foods before bedtime as they may disrupt sleep.

1. "Hericium erinaceus Improves Mood and Sleep Disorders in Patients Affected by Overweight or Obesity: Could Circulating Pro-BDNF and BDNF Be Potential Biomarkers?"  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31118969/

2. "Therapeutic Potential of Hericium erinaceus for Depressive Disorder"  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6982118/