Top Adaptogens for Stress & Sleep Support

Stress is ubiquitous. From unexpected traffic jams and looming deadlines to interpersonal conflicts and ever-present demands, it seems there is always something to challenge your peace of mind. It is no wonder, then, that it is often difficult to wind down after a particularly stressful day. When the stress of the day prevents you from getting restful sleep, it may compound the problem and create a cycle.

Since you can’t avoid stress completely, it makes sense to equip your body with the tools it needs to respond to it. Relaxation techniques such as yoga and mindfulness meditation can be very helpful. Making time for stress-reduction activities and breathing exercises can also help improve your mood and increase your sense of well-being.

Adaptogens are another great tool that can support your body’s ability to adapt and recover from stress. When taken regularly, these foods and adaptogen supplements can support your body by restoring balance through its own natural pathways. Mushrooms and herbs have been in use for centuries in Eastern and Ayurvedic medicine, and these top adaptogens for stress and sleep support are now available in convenient, high-quality products.

How Adaptogens Support the Body’s Stress Response

The human body operates in a state of dynamic equilibrium, constantly adjusting to changing conditions in an attempt to maintain balance. Homeostatic balance is achieved by the body’s adaptive responses to internal and external stressors. It has been said that adaptogens promote a “state of nonspecific resistance” to stress.

Stress causes widespread effects that can be felt throughout the body. One consequence may be an increase in cortisol levels which can interrupt and prevent a good night's sleep. A lack of restful sleep may further raise cortisol, thus compounding the problem. When this pattern repeats, it may be hard to break the cycle.

You can support your body’s capacity to respond to stress by building a solid foundation strengthened by a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and adequate time allocated for rest and relaxation. An adaptogen supplement is an easy addition to your wellness routine. Once you find the right adaptogen for stress and sleep, it can support your body’s intricate balance.

Supporting Your Body With Adaptogens for Stress and Sleep

To help your body deal more effectively with stress, consider supplementing with adaptogenic herbs and mushrooms. By including these natural products in your daily routine, you can empower your body’s responses to stressful events. Consider this list of the top adaptogens for stress and sleep support:

Functional Mushroom Adaptogens

Adaptogenic mushrooms contain a range of micro and macronutrients plus characteristic bioactive compounds that can provide a variety of benefits. For example, they support the immune system and promote a healthy microbiome in the gut. Available in a convenient capsule form or as a dried powder that can be easily added to beverages or recipes, functional mushroom supplements are easy to incorporate into your daily routine.^‡

• Chaga: With high levels of antioxidants, chaga highlights youthfulness and promotes healthy aging. As an adaptogenic mushroom, it helps your body balance free radicals which can cause oxidative stress. Chaga supports metabolic balance and the immune system.^‡
• Cordyceps: This unusually shaped mushroom promotes energy and endurance by supporting the cardiac, circulatory, and respiratory systems. Cordyceps promotes ATP synthesis at the cellular level and aids in post-exercise recovery.^‡
• Maitake: Maitake is a culinary mushroom that has adaptogenic benefits. As part of a healthy lifestyle, supplementation with maitake supports healthy weight and blood sugar levels.^‡
• Reishi: One of the best-known adaptogens, reishi helps balance physical and mental stress. It also has nootropic benefits that support a healthy brain and nervous system. As an immune modulator, reishi aids the body in mounting an appropriate response to stress by providing balance and regulating an overactive immune system. The calming effects of reishi promote relaxation and help quiet the mind.^‡
• Shiitake: Another adaptogenic mushroom, shiitake is well known for its role in immune system support. Its unique bioactive compounds promote healthy blood pressure and block the absorption of cholesterol in the GI tract. This culinary mushroom is also available as a supplement.^‡

While each of these adaptogenic mushrooms has unique characteristics that support specific bodily systems, they work synergistically to facilitate balance. A blend of multiple functional mushroom species provides broader support.

Botanical Adaptogens

A variety of herbs and botanicals are regarded as powerful adaptogens for stress and sleep support. These non-toxic plants are used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine to help the body better handle stress. While some may be eaten or brewed in tea, most are available as supplements.

• Ashwagandha: By decreasing anxiousness and enabling restful sleep, ashwagandha may help balance stress responses and promote overall well-being.^‡
• Rhodiola rosea: The roots of this yellow-flowered groundcover have been favored as an adaptogen throughout Europe and Asia. It has been studied as a supplement for stress-related burnout and used to support those experiencing fatigue.^‡
• Ginkgo biloba: The fan-shaped leaves of one of the world’s oldest living tree species are used to produce this herbal supplement. Research involving animals suggests that Ginkgo supplementation is especially beneficial during periods of acute stress.^‡
• Holy basil: Tulsi, or holy basil, is native to India. When used in cooking, its leaves have a fennel or licorice-like flavor. As an adaptogen, tulsi is used in Ayurvedic medicine to support various bodily systems and better manage lifestyle-related stress.^‡
• Astragalus: Used in traditional Chinese medicine, astragalus helps support the body’s response to physical and emotional stress. The root of this botanical contains bioactive phytochemicals, including antioxidants and polysaccharides, that provide immune support.^‡ 

Like adaptogenic mushrooms, botanical adaptogens may be used alone or together to take advantage of their synergistic effects.

Incorporating Adaptogens in Your Life the Easy Way

For a superior adaptogen supplement that’s packed with superfoods, look no further than the Om Master Blend Organic Mushroom Powder blend. This powerhouse blend combines the bioactive might of ten functional mushroom species, including the adaptogens chaga, cordyceps, maitake, reishi, and shiitake. Rounding out this unique blend are three botanical adaptogens—astragalus, Ginkgo biloba, and holy basil—with added reishi extract standardized to 35% beta-glucans

Available as a loose powder, one small scoop of Om Master Blend provides the recommended daily dosage of immune and adaptogenic support. It can be added to a smoothie or mixed into a soup. You can also add it to your favorite sweet or savory recipes. Or, if you prefer, Om Master Blend Mushroom Capsules provide the same punch as the high-quality powder, but in a convenient, portable form that can be simply taken with water.

While stress is a fact of life, it doesn’t need to decrease the quality of your life or deprive you of restful sleep. The daily use of an adaptogenic mushroom supplement such as Om Master Blend can help your body cope with everyday stress by restoring your body’s balance in a healthy way. With stress under control, a restful night of sleep should be in reach.^‡

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^‡These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Functional mushroom products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.