Are we hallucinating or does LSD enhance sleep quality?
Before we all drop some pills and drops together - lets clear the essentiality to approach this read with a blend of scientific curiosity and a pinch of humour, as Better Sleep Center won't offer you any psychedelics. Instead wants to offer you a little insight in one very recent study pushing boundaries of traditional medicine by creating a link between microdosing LSD and improved sleep quality.
One significant observation gleaned from the research we can take is that LSD appears to predominantly target the mental realm rather than forcefully inducing physical sleep. This finding underscores the profound influence of mental states on our sleep patterns and quality. It serves as a reminder that achieving restful and rejuvenating sleep involves not just physical relaxation but also mental well-being. Explore mindful sleep strategies with Better Sleep Center and cultivate a deeper understanding of the connection between our mental state and the quality of our sleep.
LSD, short for Lysergic acid diethylamide, has a long and storied history dating back to the 1940s when it first gained popularity for its mind-altering effects. Typically associated with inducing powerful hallucinations and altered states of consciousness, LSD has now found itself at the center of a new wave of scientific inquiry focused on its potential therapeutic applications.
LSD, also known as "acid," has a colourful history as a potent psychedelic drug that can induce mind-bending experiences. The study in question delved into the effects of microdosing LSD. The concept of microdosing is a practice that involves ingesting tiny, sub-perceptual doses of LSD, that has garnered attention for its purported cognitive and mood-enhancing effects without the intense hallucinations typically associated with the substance.
The recent study conducted in New Zealand enlisted 80 participants to explore the impact of micro dosing LSD on sleep patterns. Surprisingly, researchers discovered that participants who took a tiny dose of LSD during the day reported longer and more restful sleep, along with increased rapid eye movement (REM) sleep the following night.
REM sleep is a crucial stage of the sleep cycle associated with dreaming, memory consolidation, and overall cognitive function. By enhancing this phase of sleep, microdosing LSD may offer a novel approach to improving sleep quality and potentially addressing sleep-related disorders.
This intriguing finding adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the therapeutic potential of psychedelic substances like LSD, ayahuasca, and psilocybin. As societal attitudes toward these substances evolve, researchers are increasingly exploring their effects on mental health, addiction treatment, and now, even sleep patterns.
Psychedelic substances are powerful compounds that can have profound effects on individual physiology and mental well-being. Responsible research, proper dosing protocols, and ethical considerations are paramount in further exploring the potential benefits and risks associated with microdosing LSD.
Studies like this serve as a reminder of the complex interplay between substances and our biological systems.
A closer Look at the Recent STUDY
Are we hallucinating or does LSD enhance sleep quality?
The recent study conducted in New Zealand, involved 80 participants who agreed to regularly take either a microdose of LSD or a placebo, sought to uncover the potential impacts of this practice on sleep quality and duration.
A key aspect of this study was the double-blind design, where neither the researchers nor the participants were aware of who received the LSD microdose and who received the placebo. Doses were administered once every three days to prevent the development of tolerance to LSD, a crucial consideration in psychedelic research.
Throughout the six-week study period, participants wore Fitbit devices to track their physical activity and sleep patterns. The analysis of the sleep tracker data yielded intriguing results: while there were no significant differences in sleep on the day of microdosing, individuals who had taken LSD went to bed earlier and slept an average of 24 minutes more the following day compared to those who had taken the placebo. Additionally, the LSD group experienced approximately eight more minutes of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, a phase associated with essential cognitive functions.
Despite these findings, it is essential to approach them with caution due to several limitations inherent in the study. The research sample was small and consisted solely of men aged between 25 and 60 with no history of mental health issues, limiting the generalisability of the results.
These limitations underscore the need for further research to comprehensively understand the potential risks and benefits of microdosing LSD, particularly concerning its impact on sleep patterns. Individual responses to psychedelics can vary widely. Moreover, it is crucial to acknowledge that the study was conducted under controlled conditions.
Despite these limitations, the study hints at a potential future application of microdosing LSD, especially in the realm of mental health. The same research team at the University of Auckland is currently exploring the effects of microdosing on individuals with major depressive disorder, offering hope for a new approach to improving sleep and overall well-being.
The allure of microdosing LSD as a solution to life's challenges may seem tempting.
As the field of psychedelic research continues to evolve, the focus on microdosing presents a promising avenue for exploring the nuanced effects of these substances on various aspects of human physiology and psychology.
While the idea of a world where everyone takes LSD to solve their problems may sound like the plot of a quirky sci-fi novel, the reality is far more nuanced, yet requires more information thorough investigation. Until then, let's approach the topic with open minds, cautious optimism, and a healthy dose of skepticism.
One significant observation gleaned from the research we can take is that LSD appears to predominantly target the mental realm rather than forcefully inducing physical sleep. This finding underscores the profound influence of mental states on our sleep patterns and quality. It serves as a reminder that achieving restful and rejuvenating sleep involves not just physical relaxation but also mental well-being. Explore mindful sleep strategies with Better Sleep Center and cultivate a deeper understanding of the connection between our mental state and the quality of our sleep.
study source :
Allen, N., Jeremiah, A., Murphy, R., Sumner, R., Forsyth, A., Hoeh, N., Menkes, D. B., Evans, W., Muthukumaraswamy, S., Sundram, F., & Roop, P. (2024). LSD increases sleep duration the night after microdosing. Translational Psychiatry, 14(1), 191.
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