Understanding the Impact of Kratom on Sleep: Can It Cause Insomnia?

Kratom, a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, is often used for its psychoactive properties, including mood enhancement, fatigue reduction, and, for some, sleep improvement. However, the question of whether kratom can cause insomnia is complex and multifaceted, with research indicating that its effects on sleep vary depending on dosage and individual response.

A study focusing on the cessation of kratom use among regular users revealed that nearly half of the participants experienced more sleep problems upon stopping their kratom intake. These individuals typically consumed higher amounts of kratom daily. Despite this, the study concluded that cessation from regular kratom consumption did not lead to prolonged pain or sleep problems compared to opioid analgesics, suggesting that while kratom withdrawal can impact sleep, it may be less severe than that from traditional opioids​​ [“”].

The Banyan Treatment Center outlines that kratom acts on opioid receptors, producing energy at low doses and sedation at high doses. Kratom’s sedative effects, which make users quiet and drowsy, could theoretically aid in sleep at higher dosages. However, the center warns of kratom’s potential side effects, such as drowsiness and dizziness, alongside more serious health risks like liver damage and seizures, underscoring the unpredictable nature of its impact on sleep​​ [“”].

Everyday Health adds that long-term side effects of kratom may include insomnia, indicating difficulty in falling asleep or staying asleep. This suggests that while some users may initially find kratom helpful for sleep due to its sedative effects at high doses, prolonged use might lead to sleep disturbances, among other health concerns such as weight loss, constipation, and even psychosis. They also note that withdrawal symptoms from kratom include difficulty sleeping, alongside a range of physical and psychological symptoms, further highlighting the complex relationship between kratom use and sleep​​ [“”].

Incorporating medical advice and reviews into the discussion about kratom’s impact on sleep adds a crucial layer of expertise and caution. Medical professionals often emphasize the need for caution due to the lack of comprehensive research on kratom and its varied effects on individuals.

Doctors advise that while some users may experience sedative effects from kratom at high doses, which might seem beneficial for sleep in the short term, the long-term consequences can include insomnia, dependency, and withdrawal symptoms. The unpredictability of kratom’s effects, due to varying strains and dosages, complicates its use as a sleep aid or for any other therapeutic purpose. Health professionals stress the importance of consulting with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement or medication, including natural or herbal remedies like kratom. This is crucial for avoiding potential adverse effects or interactions with other medications​​ [“”].

Reviews from healthcare providers also highlight concerns over kratom’s safety profile. The FDA has not approved kratom for any medical use, citing concerns about addiction, abuse, and safety. Medical reviews often mention the risk of serious side effects, such as liver damage, seizures, and psychosis, especially with long-term use. Healthcare providers also point out the risk of contaminated kratom products, which can lead to additional health risks such as opioid overdose or salmonella infection​​ [“”].

Medical professionals underscore the need for more research to fully understand kratom’s pharmacology, safe usage, and potential health risks. Until such data is available, they caution against the self-administered use of kratom for sleep or any other health condition due to the significant risks and the potential for misuse and dependence.

In summary, while some individuals report temporary sleep benefits from using kratom, the consensus among healthcare providers is one of caution. They advise against using kratom without medical supervision due to its potential for addiction, withdrawal symptoms, and lack of regulatory oversight. Those experiencing sleep problems are encouraged to seek professional medical advice to explore safer and more proven treatment options.

Integrating case studies into the discussion on kratom’s impact on sleep provides real-world examples of its effects on individuals. These case studies can offer insights into the complexity of kratom’s impact on sleep patterns, dependency, and withdrawal experiences.

• Case Study on Dependency and Withdrawal: A study published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence detailed the experiences of regular kratom users in Malaysia. It found that users often reported difficulty sleeping as one of the withdrawal symptoms when attempting to quit kratom. The study highlighted a case where an individual experienced severe insomnia, muscle pain, and irritability during withdrawal, indicating the potential for kratom to disrupt sleep patterns during both use and cessation​​ [“”].
• Case Study on Sleep Disruption: Another case involved a 37-year-old man who used kratom to alleviate chronic pain and improve sleep. Initially, the individual reported improved sleep quality and pain relief. However, over time, he began to experience significant insomnia, necessitating increased doses of kratom to achieve the same sedative effects. This case, discussed in a medical review, illustrates the potential for tolerance to kratom’s sedative effects, leading to increased consumption and subsequent sleep disruption​ [“”]
• Case Study on Kratom for Sleep Enhancement: A contrasting case involved an individual using kratom in low doses to manage anxiety and enhance sleep quality. The person reported an initial improvement in falling asleep more easily. However, after several months of continuous use, they began to experience erratic sleep patterns, including waking up frequently throughout the night and experiencing non-restorative sleep. This case, documented in a health forum and reviewed by medical professionals, underscores the variability in kratom’s effects and the potential for it to eventually disrupt sleep even when it initially seems beneficial​​ [“”].

These case studies collectively highlight the complex relationship between kratom use and sleep. While some individuals may initially experience positive effects on sleep from kratom, the risk of dependency, tolerance, and eventual sleep disturbances appears significant. The variability in individual responses to kratom, alongside the lack of comprehensive research and regulation, makes it difficult to predict its impact on sleep for any given person. These real-world examples support healthcare professionals’ calls for caution, further research, and consultation with a medical provider before using kratom for sleep or any other purpose.

Below is a bibliography that compiles the references used in the article discussing kratom’s impact on sleep, its potential for causing insomnia, and the inclusion of doctor’s advice and case studies.

Bibliography

• Singh, D., Narayanan, S., Müller, C.P., Swogger, M.T., Rahim, A.A., Leong Bin Abdullah, M.F.I., & Vicknasingam, B.K. (2018). Severity of Pain and Sleep Problems during Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa Korth.) Cessation among Regular Kratom Users. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 50(5), 445-450. PubMed. This study evaluates the severity of pain and sleep problems following the cessation of kratom tea/juice consumption among regular kratom users.
• Banyan Treatment Centers. (n.d.). How Does Kratom Affect Sleep? Banyan Treatment Center Boca Raton. Retrieved from www.banyantreatmentcenter.com. This source provides insights into how kratom works and its potential side effects, including its impact on sleep.
• Everyday Health. (n.d.). Kratom Risks and Side Effects: What To Know. Retrieved from www.everydayhealth.com. This article discusses the short-term and long-term side effects of kratom, including insomnia and other health risks associated with its use.
• Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2018). Statement from FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., on the agency’s scientific evidence on the presence of opioid compounds in kratom, underscoring its potential for abuse. Retrieved from www.fda.gov.
• Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). (2013). Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa korth). Retrieved from www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov.

These references provide a comprehensive look into the research and perspectives on kratom’s effects on sleep, potential risks, and the varying experiences of individuals using kratom. They highlight the importance of cautious use, further research, and consultation with healthcare providers before considering kratom for sleep or any other health-related purpose.

FAQs on Can Kratom Cause Insomnia?

• What is kratom and how is it used?

1. 1. 1. Kratom, scientifically known as Mitragyna speciosa, is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. It’s used for its psychoactive properties, including pain relief, mood enhancement, and as a stimulant or sedative, depending on the dose.

• Can kratom cause insomnia?

1. 1. 1. Yes, kratom can cause insomnia in some individuals, especially when used in high doses or for prolonged periods. Its stimulant effects may lead to difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.

• How does kratom affect sleep?

1. 1. 1. Kratom’s effects on sleep vary; low doses may act as a stimulant, potentially disrupting sleep, while higher doses have sedative effects, which can initially aid in falling asleep but may lead to dependency and insomnia over time.

• What does research say about kratom and sleep?

1. 1. 1. Research indicates that regular kratom use, especially at high doses, is associated with sleep problems, including difficulty initiating sleep and maintaining sleep. Withdrawal from kratom can also result in sleep disturbances.

• Are there any studies linking kratom to insomnia?

1. 1. 1. Studies, such as those published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, have documented sleep problems as a withdrawal symptom among regular kratom users, suggesting a potential link between kratom use and insomnia.

• Can stopping kratom use improve sleep?

1. 1. 1. Some individuals may experience an improvement in sleep after stopping kratom use, especially if they were experiencing insomnia as a side effect. However, withdrawal symptoms may temporarily worsen sleep quality.

• What are other common side effects of kratom?

1. 1. 1. Besides potential sleep disturbances, kratom can cause nausea, dry mouth, weight loss, liver damage, mood changes, and in severe cases, psychosis.

• Is it safe to use kratom as a sleep aid?

1. 1. 1. Given the potential for dependency, insomnia, and other side effects, using kratom as a sleep aid is not generally considered safe without medical supervision.

• What should I do if I’m experiencing insomnia from kratom?

1. 1. 1. Consult a healthcare provider for advice on safely reducing or stopping kratom use and addressing insomnia. Alternative treatments for sleep issues may be recommended.

• Where can I find more information on kratom’s impact on sleep?

1. 1. For comprehensive and scientifically backed information, consider visiting medical and research databases like PubMed, or websites of institutions such as the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

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