Sleep disorders are common these days, people are using various medicines, herbs, and remedies to cure insomnia, and other severe sleep disorders.
According to the NSDUH (National Survey on Drug Use and Health), approx 1.5% of adults in the United States are using kratom to deal with growing anxiety and sleep issues. The graph of using kratom is increasing day by day indicating a growing trend of kratom in western countries.
People in Southeast Asia have been using kratom for centuries, but in recent years many studies have found its potential side effects for certain medical conditions. It’s advisable to discuss with your healthcare providers if you intend to use kratom for sleep disorders, pain relief, or stress management.
In this article, we’ll discuss kratom and sleep; its benefits, side effects, and common questions that you might have.
What is Kratom?
Kratom, also known as Mitragyna speciosa, is a plant native to Southeast Asia. It belongs to the coffee family and is widely grown in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. People have used it for centuries to cure fatigue, pain, diarrhea, and muscle cramps.
People of Thailand were using it as a substitute for opium, which is illegal in the country. Apart from these purposes, it was also used in religious ceremonies as the Mitragyna tree is known for spiritual properties but this has no research backing.
There are multiple options to consume kratom, usually, its leaves are dried and brewed into tea. These days it is also available in capsule, tablets, and extract form. You can also smoke it like tobacco.
How Does Kratom Work?
Kratom contains alkaloids (mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine) that affect the brain and nervous system of the human body and give stimulant effects the same as caffeine. These components also work on opioid receptors but have fewer side effects.
It is commonly used in Asian countries to treat pain, fever coughs, and to gain energy and enhance mood. The effect of kratom mainly depends on the dosage as high consumption of kratom produces sedative sensations.
It doesn’t have caffeine but it does provide stimulating effects, people have also been mixing kratom and coffee but it’s a risk so always be cautious.
Is Kratom an Opioid?
Kratom is an opioid-like substance and a stimulant that affects your nervous system’s opioid receptors. It can be addictive as low doses can work as stimulants, but high doses can relieve pain like opioids.
People who use opioids can replace it with kratom to lower their opioid consumption. But it can be misused to relax, calm anxiety, treat depression, or self-treat pain.
What is the Connection between Kratom and Sleep?
Kratom is known to provide good natural sleep and relaxation. It gives rest and works on the overall well-being of your body. However, consumption methods and doses are important to treat sleep deprivation or insomnia.
What are the Benefits of Kratom?
Kratom has minimal research backing that proves its benefits or side effects. However, there are some benefits that people have found using kratom in Southeast Asia.
It relieves chronic pains and improves mood and energy levels. Kratom has alkaloids, especially 7-hydroxy mitragynine, which is 13 times more potent than morphine, it works with opioid receptors to ease pain in the human body.
People also use kratom to ease the withdrawal symptoms of ethanol, morphine, and codeine. It also works on mood enhancement.
What are the Side effects of Kratom?
Kratom has become very popular in recent years in the Western world, but it also has been a subject of controversy due to its potential for addiction and abuse. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has made it illegal to sell or consume in the US as it is listed as a Drug of Concern.
Kratom can cause nausea, constipation, sweating, itching, drowsiness, dizziness, and dry mouth.
In case of high dose consumption, it can cause hallucinations, liver damage, high blood pressure, slow breathing, tremors, confusion of mind, and seizures.
Early studies have found kratom as an antidepressant and hunger suppressant. Another study performed on rats has concluded that Kratom supplementation may reduce hunger by affecting the hypothalamus, the brain region that regulates appetite and cravings. However, further research is necessary to determine whether these effects occur in humans.
Another animal study found that kratom reduced corticosterone levels in mice. Elevated corticosterone is one of the brain chemical changes commonly associated with depression.
What Kratom strains are good for pain and sleep?
There are three types of Kratom Strains: red, green, and white. The colors indicate the age of the leaf; this is also known as “Vein types.” Studies have found that red strains are much stronger than other forms, especially green, which is an older form of kratom.
You can start with a mild dosage as it typically allows you to feel effects in less than 10 minutes and can last up to 1 to 1.5 hours. For best quality kratom you can visit; Occurs Naturally as they provide high-quality kratom tablets. All ingredients are lab-tested for quality control and also to ensure transparency.
Does Kratom make you high?
Kratom can have effects that some people describe as “high,” but it varies depending on the dose and the individual.
At lower doses, kratom tends to have stimulating effects, potentially increasing alertness and energy.
At higher doses, it can have sedative effects, leading to feelings of relaxation and euphoria. However, kratom’s effects are not the same as those of traditional recreational drugs, and its safety profile is not well understood.
How can I regulate my sleep cycle?
If you are dealing with sleep troubles like insomnia, there are plenty of ways to regulate it which are much safer than kratom;
1. Develop a Consistent Sleep Schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, including weekends.
2. Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment: Ensure your room is completely dark, quiet, and kept cool.
3. Limit Screen Time: Avoid screens before bed as the blue light emitted can interfere with your sleep.
4. Exercise Regularly: Incorporate physical activity into your routine, but avoid exercising too close to bedtime.
5. Monitor Your Diet and Drinks: Avoid heavy meals and caffeine before bed.
6. Reduce Stress: Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation to calm your mind.
If these techniques don’t help you get over sleep disorder, consult with a doctor or sleep expert. They will help you find out the reason behind improper sleep and recommend better ways to get good sleep.
FAQs – Kratom and Sleep
No, Kratom is not approved by the FDA due to its potential side effects. They have listed it as a “Drug of Concern”.
The legality of kratom varies by country and, in some cases, within regions of a country. In the United States, kratom is legal at the federal level but banned in certain states and cities. Internationally, some countries, like Thailand and Malaysia, have banned it, while others allow it with restrictions. It’s important to check local laws to determine whether kratom is legal in your area.
Kratom is not safe for everyone especially, pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, or people with certain medical conditions.
No, Kratom is not safe in pregnancy due to possible adverse results such as premature birth, growth defects, miscarriages, etc.
Mixing Kratom and Coffee may pose some side effects such as increased heart rate, blood pressure, and overstimulation, and to a high extent, it can cause restlessness and jitters. We advise you to always consult with a healthcare provider if you want to mix them for additional benefits.
Conclusion
If you or someone you care about is struggling with sleep, know that you’re not alone. With the right approach, you can deal with it. Kratom can be a powerful tool to improve your well-being and sleep. There are three types of tablets we offer; relax, energy, and focus. You can find out more on our website.
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