Can Kratom Help You Sleep Better?
Do you struggle to achieve quality sleep on a consistent basis? You’re not alone. More than a third of U.S. adults sleep less than 7 hours per night, and by some estimates, up to 30% of adults struggle with a frequent inability to sleep. In your quest to find solutions, you may have heard kratom touted as a potential sleep remedy. Explore whether kratom is right for your needs with these tips from Kratora.
What Is Kratom?
Kratom is an ethnobotanical that comes from the leaves of the mitragyna speciosa tree in Southeast Asia. It contains over 40 alkaloids, active compounds that trigger various physiological effects in the body. Although research into the effects of kratom is still limited, it has been used for centuries in countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand for a variety of effects that include mood regulation, energy, relief from discomfort, and help with sleep issues.
Traditionally, the kratom leaves would be steeped in tea or even chewed. Today, the leaves are commonly ground down into a fine powder and packaged in powder, capsule, or extract form. The two most abundant alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) may help to regulate sleep—but it’s important to note that, for right now, much of the information we have is anecdotal. So consider the evidence currently available and decide whether kratom might benefit your own evening routine.
How Kratom Works for Sleep
Note: Like many herbal remedies, kratom may interact with certain prescription and over-the-counter drugs. So if you’re currently taking any medications, talk to your doctor before incorporating kratom into your routine.
When kratom is used, the alkaloids act on the brain’s natural opioid receptors (don’t worry—kratom is NOT an opiate; it simply interacts with the same proteins). These interactions can result in effects that are believed to be energizing at lower doses and relaxing at higher doses.
In addition to soothing the body and encouraging general feelings of tiredness, kratom may assist sleep by relaxing the brain and curbing racing thoughts. A busy mind, after all, is a leading cause of sleep issues. So if kratom can help quiet the mind, this may be a huge boost to a lot of restless sleepers out there.
There are a lot of strains and varieties on the market, and some are more helpful for sleep than others. Therefore, it’s important to understand what you’re buying ahead of time.
The Best Kratom Strains for Sleep
When browsing kratom for sale, the first thing you need to understand is color. Most kratom strains are preceded by a color—typically white, green, or red. Popular examples include White Maeng Da, Green Bali, and Red Malay.
White strains tend to be energizing.
Green strains tend to be slightly energizing and cerebral.
Red strains tend to be relaxing.
The color refers to the color of the leaf vein. Young, immature leaves have more of a white hue; middle-stage leaves take on a greenish hue; and mature leaves have more of a red or brownish hue. This is important to keep in mind because it relates to our previous point about how higher amounts of alkaloids have more of a relaxing effect. Red, mature leaves tend to have higher concentrations of key alkaloids—particularly 7-OH—and this may partly explain why the red-hued strains tend to work better for sleep. These strains pack more of a punch.
The following kratom strains are especially popular among people seeking help with sleep:
Red Bali: Hailing from the forest-rich Indonesian island of Bali, Red Bali is one of the most popular strains available. It’s a heady strain that has been noted for its calming effects, and it’s a premier choice for buyers seeking better sleep.
Red Borneo: Red Borneo’s effects are similar to Red Bali, and this strain is often recommended for people with sleep issues linked to racing thoughts. Like Red Bali, Borneo is an abundant strain that’s easy to find and generally affordable.
Other popular options include Red Maeng Da, Red Sumatra, and Red Vein Indo.
The Best Kratom Dosage for Sleep
If you’re opting for a red-vein strain, you shouldn’t need to use a lot to achieve the desired result. The best approach is to start with the manufacturer’s recommended amount (usually around 2 grams) and then gradually increase the amount by 1 gram at a time until you achieve the relief you’re looking for. Try to avoid exceeding 8 grams in a single use.
Everyone is different, and your ideal amount can vary depending on your size, gender, body fat concentration, general health, and other factors. Ultimately, you have to find the amount that’s best for you.
Alternatives to Kratom
If kratom doesn’t work for you, or if you’re simply looking to explore other all-natural remedies, certain other botanicals have also demonstrated a positive effect on sleep. For instance:
Blue lotus flower: Blue lotus is a water lily native to Egypt and parts of Asia. It has been used for centuries for relaxation, and its two main compounds—apomorphine and nuciferine—work similarly to the alkaloids in kratom.
Kava kava: This herbal remedy comes from the Piper methysticum, a plant native to the islands of the Pacific—like Tonga and Fiji. It contains active compounds called kavapyrones, which inspire feelings of calm and relaxation.
Mitragyna hirsuta: Mitragyna hirsuta is the sister strain of kratom, growing in the same region and offering a similar appearance and aroma. It contains a slightly different alkaloid profile and can be calming and sleep-inducing in high doses.
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There are a lot of products from Kratora that may help you sleep better. The best approach is to research your options and see what works for you. An investment in good sleep is something that will pay off for the rest of your life, so make it a priority.
About the author:
Tess DiNapoli is a freelance writer and an artist. She has a passion for yoga and often writes about health and wellness, but also enjoys covering the world of fitness.