How Do Psychedelics Affect Sleep?

Ever get the “shroom yawns”? Ever fall asleep shortly after ingestion, or have trouble staying awake, but never knew why? Same! Shall we investigate? 

Since psilocybin-containing mushrooms have been on a lot of minds lately, we’re going to focus on psilocybin and its metabolite counterpart, psilocin, but we’ll still give some honorable mentions. 

Not everyone has experienced drowsiness on psychedelic mushrooms, sometimes the same strain can make you alert one day, and sleepy the next. It can be really confusing to the scientific-types who like to find a rhyme or reason for their experience.  

The Many Faces of Sleepiness on Psilocybin

The Come-Up

We’ve had clients report getting tired 30-45 minutes after ingesting psilocybin, indiscriminate of the dose. This would be the “come-up” or onset period when the effects of the psilocybin are just beginning to be felt. 

One particular client would take their microdose in the morning, followed by a walk, jog or run. By the time they came back, the psilocybin began to take effect, and they were ready for a 20-30 minute nap—every time. 

Mid-Trip or Come-Down

The most common time we see clients get drowsy on psilocybin is at the tail end of their experience, about the last 1.5-2 hours. 

The Afterglow Period

The afterglow period is the time after a psychedelic experience where you’re coming into a sober state of reality, but you still have a connection to the feelings, sensations, and mystical aspects of the psychedelic experience.

Other Psychedelics That Affect Sleep

Serotonergic psychedelics, such as psilocybin, psilocin, DMT, mescaline, peyote, 2CB, and LSD all affect our serotonin receptors, which play a role in sleep regulation (Geyer et al, 2009; Ursin, 2002).

Interestingly, an LSD experience (up to 12 hours) can last twice as long as a psilocybin experience (4-6 hours), and a common effect of LSD is not being able to fall asleep, instead of becoming overly tired. 

This may be due to the fact that the LSD molecule binds to our serotonin receptors for a very long time, extending the duration of the experience. 

A Scientific Approach to Sleepiness on Psilocybin

Brain Waves

A 2022 study by Golden & Chatterton revealed some interesting findings when they gave mice a large dose of psilocybin and looked at their brain wave activity. 

First, they discovered that delta, theta, and alpha waves slowed down more than usual. These types of brain waves are responsible for, or associated with, deep relaxation, meditation, and even sleep. 

At the same time, gamma brainwaves—tied to intense focus and information processing—increased. The paradoxical brain activity may explain the surreal, dreamlike nature of the psychedelic state.

It could also point to why some users report feelings simultaneously of heightened alertness and drowsiness or vulnerability. 

Information Processing

Neuroscientists distinguish two forms of brain processing: top-down and bottom-up. 

Bottom-up processing is when our brain receives stimuli from the outside world, (sights, sounds, etc) and then uses sensory receptors to create an understanding of that stimuli. It relies on sensory data and is a more automatic, objective method of information processing.

In top-down processing, information is pulled from our memories and past learning experiences, and by using our prior knowledge, we process that information and determine a perception of it.

This form of information processing requires more nuanced thinking, leaving room for interpretation, but also gives way to higher level cognitive processes. 

In the altered state of consciousness that arises from psilocybin, Golden & Chatterton found that there’s a reduction in top-down processing. Communication between distant brain regions was lessened while close-range neural circuits showed an increase in activity. 

This internal landscape means that there’s an increase in the capacity for enhanced processing and awareness while being in a deeply relaxed state while also lowering our minds capacity to make preconceived notions. 

We also know from previous research that psychedelics lower our default mode network activity, which is like the track our brain runs on when we daydream or ruminate. 

This combination of changes happening in the brain is a lot, could it be that our brains are just using more energy on psilocybin? 

Tryptamine vs Tryptophan

We’ve all gotten the yawns after Thanksgiving thanks to the amino acid tryptophan found in turkey.  

Tryptophan cannot be produced by our body and must be obtained from our diet. It’s also a precursor to serotonin and is involved in the productions of proteins and neurotransmitters like serotonin and melatonin.

Tryptamine, however, has dual identities as a molecular structure and indolamine metabolite that is found in a group of neuromodulators like serotonin, melatonin, psilocybin and psilocin. 

Tryptamine on its own is involved in many biological activities in the body, including its role as a serotonin receptor agonist, and a releaser of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. 

It also has been shown to produce hallucinogenic effects, pupil dilation, increased blood pressure, nausea, sweating and bodily heaviness (Martin & Sloan, 1970). 

This shared lineage suggests a possible biological link: psilocybin may invoke a kind of biochemical echo of sleepiness, not unlike the calm that follows a comforting meal.

The Psycho-Spiritual Side of Sleepiness & Psilocybin

Aside from chemical reactions and biological processes, there’s many other lenses to explore this topic through. 

It’s quite possible that for some people, sleepiness is a trauma response or a coping mechanism. Even our co-founder, Jimmy, admits that sleepiness has been a trauma response for him in his personal life. 

The Non-Specific Amplifier Effect

If you’ve followed Psychedelic Passage for a while, you’re no stranger to the term “non-specific amplifier effect.” 

It basically describes the tendency for psychedelics to illuminate or bring unconscious material to the surface that has been affecting conscious, everyday life. It’s not picky, hence the term, “non-specific.”

“One of the beauties of therapeutic psychedelic work is about bringing content from our own consciousness and somehow crossing the threshold into our conscious mind so that we can come into better access with these things in order to address, process, or heal from them. The best example is people who say, yep, I’ve been in therapy for 20 years, I’ve been on medications. I can only go so far in addressing my issues and my traumas through my cognitive, mental lens and it seems like there’s something under the surface that’s still stuck in there.”

It’s not uncommon for the dredging up of unconscious material to be uncomfortable, especially when the material commonly comes from traumatic events or involves deep emotions.

Sleep Doesn’t Have to Be A Negative Reaction

In our experience facilitating for clients, we have seen some really challenging content arise during their psilocybin experience, with the clients fully aware of the big, hairy, metaphorical door they had just opened. 

And what happens next? Sometimes they fall asleep. Perhaps for 30 minutes, maybe up to an hour and a half. But sometimes, they might wake up to find that something within them feels changed or shifted. 

This is to say that maybe you don’t have to relive all your traumas to heal from them, maybe there’s benefit in leaning into the sleepiness to see where it takes you.

Some clients come into their psychedelic experience ready to “go to war” with their biggest demons, but maybe what’s required is actually the opposite. 

“Oftentimes they’re ready to put their armor on and go to war, but what is actually really required in that moment is a lot of easefulness. What’s required there is a lot of softness. What’s required there is actually moving through that state while being very cozy and very comfortable, maybe almost being held emotionally and holding the space there.”

Some people may find themselves restless post-trip, if you find that this is the case for you, we would say to lean into that as well.

This time could be used for reflection, especially if you are still in the afterglow in-between state. Reflection could be in the form of writing, art, meditation, or maybe just some good old pondering.

Recommended Reading: The Different Types of Psychedelic Integration

What to Do When Sleepiness is Disruptive

If you are finding that sleepiness is getting in the way of your micro or macrodosing, you can try adjusting your dosing time. 

Most people microdose during the day, but if you’re seeing a disruptive level of sleepiness, maybe an evening dose would be more beneficial. 

Some microdosers split their dosing up, taking 3/4ths of it upfront and the rest in 2-4 hours. Taking a smaller amount up front might negate any initial sleepiness.

Harnessing the Opportunity

Dealing with sleepiness truly opens up a door to investigate your habits, patterns, and preferences more in depth. 

It gives you a chance to pay attention to your sleep cycles, your relationship to sleep, and your overall energy levels.

On the other side of things, those of us dealing with a lot of trauma or hardship can be worn down from constantly being in fight or flight or survival mode, and that can wear down on the nervous system. 

Coupled with living in a system that prizes productivity and demonizes rest, it’s no wonder sleepiness is a common reaction to psychedelics.

Our Western society is a stark contrast to many other cultures like the Vietnamese and Spanish, where afternoon naps are embedded into the culture. This is your reminder to give yourself permission to rest, especially in a society that doesn’t prioritize it at all.

Question From The Community: Can you choose who is going to be your facilitator?

At Psychedelic Passage, we have a matchmaking process that connects you with our referral network of pre-vetted, qualified facilitators. 

Usually, people are given at least 2-3 different facilitators that align with their needs and preferences. This allows you to explore different options and choose one that resonates with you the most.

Many operators in the regulatory environment in Oregon and Colorado follow a similar model, emphasizing the client’s right to choose. 

There may be organizations out there that “assign” a facilitator to you. Regardless of what path you walk, you always have a choice. 

Oftentimes, the most impactful therapeutic psychedelic work is done while being seen and supported by someone who aligns to your needs. 

For example, if you are looking to engage in meaningful psychedelic use to alleviate depression, there are many facilitators out there that have experience sitting with clients with this specific intention.

Given their real-world experience and wisdom, they would be more conducive to your experience than someone who had never sat with a client battling depression.

Immerse into the Depths of Information

What have we been saying this entire article? Healing is a lifestyle! Plunge into the waters of scientific research and anecdotal data to learn more about psychedelics for healing. 

• Back To The Basics: Start with the basics to gain a comprehensive understanding of the psychedelic medicine known as psilocybin mushrooms.
• Understanding the Psychedelic Transformation: From recreational exploration to therapeutic healing, examine the evolving nature of psychedelic experiences and their impact on internal narratives about personal growth. 
• It Goes Both Ways: We know mindfulness techniques can assist us in successful psychedelic use, but can psychedelics assist us in mindfulness practices as well?
• Dosage Decisions: Everyone’s healing journey looks different, explore whether microdosing or macrodosing is best for you.
• Know Before You Go: Before the invention of at-home potency tests, it was near-impossible for the layman to know how strong any given sample was prior to ingestion. But not anymore.
• Learning More About Consumption: Take a look at a more in depth overview of popular ways to consume psilocybin-containing mushrooms.
• Ways To Interact With Psychedelics: Take a journey with Jake Winke as he discusses the most common types of ceremonies.

Client Testimonials:

“The help I received and the information that was given was above and beyond my expectations, as well as a courteous and informative experience. The call taker answered all my questions in depth with extensive knowledge on the unorthodox and unusual questions I had presented versus the usual questions that they receive regularly, I’m sure.” — Psychedelic Passage Client on Our Concierge Service 

“My facilitator was incredibly positive, kind, supportive and competent throughout the process. She made me feel that she genuinely cared about me and kept me safe during the ceremony.” — Psychedelic Passage Client on Our Ceremonial Program

Ready to Find a Trusted Psychedelic Coach Near You?

Hi there! We sincerely hope that you’ve found valuable takeaways that resonate with your current intentions. To explore research-based education, stay updated with psychedelic news, and benefit from practical how-to articles, we encourage you to head over to our resources page.

If you’re seeking personalized advice and are prepared to take the first step toward a therapeutic psychedelic experience, we invite you to book a consultation with our team of experienced psychedelic concierges.

This consultation is more than just a conversation; it’s an opportunity to be matched with a trustworthy local facilitator. You’ll be seamlessly connected to our rigorously vetted network of psychedelic guides, ensuring potential matches align with your needs.

Psychedelic Passage offers confidence and peace of mind by alleviating the burden of having to guess who’s right for you. If you want to discover how Psychedelic Passage can help you, we empower you to learn more about our services and check out client testimonials from those who’ve gone before you.

Your healing path is uniquely yours, and our commitment is to serve you at every juncture. Psychedelic Passage: Your Psychedelic Concierge — The easy, legal way to find trustworthy psilocybin guides, facilitators and psychedelic assisted therapy near you in the United States.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it common to fall asleep during a psychedelic journey, and is that bad?

Yes, it’s more common than people think—and no, it’s not necessarily bad. Sleepiness or even brief sleep during a trip can be a form of emotional processing or trauma release. 

Some clients have opened metaphorical “doors” to heavy emotional material, only to drift into a restorative sleep and awaken with a subtle sense of internal shift. The body and psyche often know what they need; sometimes it’s surrender, not struggle.

2. Does psilocybin share a connection with the post-Thanksgiving “turkey tiredness”?

In a way, yes! Psilocybin belongs to the tryptamine family, which includes serotonin and melatonin, both key players in sleep regulation. 

Tryptophan (the amino acid in turkey) is a precursor to serotonin, while tryptamine structures like psilocybin act directly on serotonin receptors. This biochemical lineage may contribute to that warm, cozy post-trip fatigue many users feel, almost like a soul-level exhale.

3. How do cultural attitudes around rest influence our response to psychedelics?

Western culture often glorifies productivity and pathologizes rest. This can make people feel guilty or frustrated when psychedelics induce drowsiness. 

But in many other cultures, like those in Vietnam or Spain, rest is normalized, sacred even. Psychedelics might nudge us toward reclaiming that lost relationship with rest, challenging the cultural bias that says “doing nothing” is unproductive.

4. Can sleepiness on psychedelics be a trauma response?

It can. For some individuals, sleepiness is a deeply ingrained coping mechanism—a way to shut down when emotions become overwhelming. Rather than fight that feeling, it may be more healing to welcome it. 

Falling asleep during a session doesn’t mean avoidance; it could be a form of emotional release or integration. Rest, in these moments, becomes its own kind of medicine.

5. What can I do if sleepiness is interfering with my microdosing routine?

If drowsiness is becoming disruptive, consider adjusting your schedule. Try dosing in the evening instead of the morning, or split your dose—taking a portion up front and the rest later in the day. 

Use this as an invitation to explore your energy patterns, sleep cycles, and relationship with rest. Sometimes, what feels like interference is actually an invitation to restore balance.

6. What is the non-specific amplifier effect, and how does it connect to feeling sleepy?

Psychedelics often act as non-specific amplifiers, meaning they intensify whatever internal material is already present, whether it be joy, pain, fatigue, or unresolved emotion.

If sleepiness surfaces, it might not just be biological, it could be emotional or spiritual. Rather than trying to “push through,” try leaning in. The drowsiness could be a doorway, not a detour.

References

Geyer, M. A., Nichols, D. E., & Vollenweider, F. X. (2009). Serotonin-related psychedelic drugs. Encyclopedia of neuroscience, 8, 741-748.

Golden, C. T., & Chadderton, P. (2022). Psilocybin reduces low frequency oscillatory power and neuronal phase-locking in the anterior cingulate cortex of awake rodents. Scientific Reports, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-16325-w

Martin, W. R., & Sloan, J. W. (1970). Effects of infused tryptamine in man. Psychopharmacology, 18(3), 231–237. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf00412669

Ursin, R. (2002). Serotonin and sleep. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 6(1), 55–67. https://doi.org/10.1053/smrv.2001.0174