Why Should You Microdose for Sleep?

Mental Health and Sleep are Closely Connected

Lack of sleep can significantly affect your psychological state, and thus, your mental health. And, unfortunately, those with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, ADHD or bipolar disorder are far more likely to suffer from insomnia or other sleep issues. In many cases they become a self-perpetuating cycle that it is hard to get out of.

*Photo by Kate Stone Matheson on Unsplash*

Mental Health Awareness Month

This Mental Health Awareness Month we think it is essential to think about one of the key building blocks of a healthy psyche — a good night’s sleep. In a present where that fabled ‘good night’s sleep’ is at its most fetishized, it is becoming harder and harder to actually achieve. A ‘rise and grind’ culture, in which productivity is valued above happiness, in which we are expected to be eternally contactable, and in which the blue lights from our phone, laptop, ipad screens mess up our sleep hormones, is totally at odds with getting that so desired rest.

*Photo by Nubelson Fernandes on Unsplash*

There are things we can do. Many people practice sleep hygiene — a set bedtime routine, no screens after a certain time, sleepy tea etc. This works for some people — but may not be enough for those suffering mental health conditions that cause sleep issues.

Psychedelics to Treat Mental Health Conditions

Psychedelics, such as psilocybin from magic mushrooms and truffles, have recently come to the fore as a very promising mental health treatment. The research, started in the ‘60s, was cut short by the ‘War on Drugs’, which made many psychedelics illegal, and cut down the growing sapling of psychedelic medicine. In the past couple of decades however, psychedelics have made their comeback into the scientific world, as new research holds up and expands their potential as a life-changing treatment.

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As a rule psychedelic treatments either involve taking a larger ‘tripping’ dose under the watchful eye of a therapist or microdosing a tiny amount every few days, depending on your protocol. Microdosing is successful for many people, not just those suffering from a mental health condition — it improves creativity, mood, focus and general well being. Most microdosers tend to microdose in the morning or early afternoon, to make the most of the effects of their microdose throughout the day. It tends to be agreed that microdosing too late in the day could mess up the sleeping pattern of the user, due to its effect on serotonin transmitters.

The ‘Nightcap Protocol’

But wait, what’s that we hear? A clearing of the throat from a corner of the internet?

The Nightcap Protocol?

Yep, as we should have guessed — one size doesn’t fit all. Turns out there are many people who find their microdose best of all just before bed. Perhaps you are one of them too! We find out what these sleepy shroomers are all about…

Why Microdose For Sleep?

For some people microdosing works a bit differently. Rather than boosting their energy levels it can actually cause slight fatigue. This can be combated by adjusting dosage — usually by reducing it. However, some have decided to exploit this effect and the weariness caused by their microdose — by doing it before bed! The folks who microdose like this claim that they wake up feeling refreshed and bright in the morning. They also report more vivid and unusual dreams.

In many ways this could be a revolutionary new method for those who experience sleep and/or mental health issues. The mental health treating abilities of psilocybin do not stop at night! Rather, some theorize that as sleep is when the brain heals, recharges, and repairs, a psilocybin dose at this time could be even more effective. It’s certainly a tantalizing idea! Those stuck in the destructive cycle of, say, anxiety and insomnia — both causing and exacerbating each other — could have a key to easing the symptoms of each.

Same Routine, Just At Night

Those who use the ‘Nightcap Protocol’ tend to mirror the other common microdosing protocols, just at night instead of the morning. These are the Fadiman Protocol (named after Dr. James Fadiman) and the Every Other Day Protocol. It is also recommended by those in the know that you take your microdose at least an hour before going to bed, to let it begin to work its magic.

So for a ‘Nightcap’ version of the Fadiman Protocol you would do:

Day 1: Microdose one hour before bedtime.
Day 2: No microdose.
Day 3: No microdose.
Day 4: Microdose one hour before bedtime.

Continue for 4 to 8 weeks, then take a break of 2 to 4 weeks to reflect and reset.

For a ‘Nightcap’ version of the Every Other Day Protocol you would do:

Day 1: Microdose one hour before bedtime.
Day 2: No microdose.
Day 3: Microdose one hour before bedtime.
Day 4: No microdose.

Continue for 4 to 8 weeks, then take a break of 2 to 4 weeks to reflect and reset.

To get the most out of this, we recommend also practicing a sleep hygiene routine such as a set bedtime and no screens at least an hour before bed.

Sweet Dreams…

The Nightcap Protocol could be a game-changer for many. Maybe you are someone who really wants to microdose but has always been bogged down by a little bit of post-dose fatigue. Many of those who microdose report feeling the creative flow that daytime dosers feel the next morning. Maybe you are someone who really wants to two-bird-one-stone their mental health and sleep issues and this could really help you along the way.