Best Kratom for Sleep – Types, Dosage & How it Works

What are the Best Kratom Strains for Sleep: The Ultimate Guide

The CDC says that one-third of **Americans** struggle with various **sleep problems**. Lack of sleep connects to **mental illness**, **obesity**, injuries, less productivity, higher healthcare costs, and a poorer *quality of life*. Source: The CDC.

These statistics are similar worldwide, with hundreds of millions of individuals suffering from a lack of sleep. To that end, people around the world have sought out natural sleep aids such as Kratom to help them get a better night’s rest.

Kratom has long been used for a wide range of homeopathic and herbal remedies, and with great success according to the more than 25 million Kratom users worldwide.

In this guide, we explore how Kratom affects sleep, and how it might be used as a sleep aid to help you get a more restorative and rejuvenating night’s rest.

We’ll also take a look at doses, and which strains might be the best for sleep, helping you cut through the noise to find the best options for your specific needs.

DISCLAIMER: Before we continue, the FDA and FTC require that we drop a couple disclaimers on you. First off, nothing in this guide is to be construed as medical advice or advice of ANY kind. This guide is for educational and informational purposes only. Despite tens of millions of individuals citing the many benefits they have gained from Kratom, we cannot nor do we make any specific claims regarding its use. Further, Kratom is not able to diagnose, treat or cure any ‘disease’ or medical condition. And lastly, always speak to your healthcare provider/doctor before starting any type of supplement.

Choosing the Best Kratom Strains for Sleep Support

When used a advised, Kratom is believed to help people fall asleep more quickly, remain asleep longer, and feel more refreshed upon waking. However, not everyone had the same experience; in fact, some people have reported the exact reverse!

The reason for this is that Kratom is a very adaptable plant that may produce a wide range of effects depending on the individual and the circumstances.

It might be difficult to choose the proper strain of Kratom for sleep. Some strains are stimulating, which can prevent you from falling or staying asleep, while other strains are potent sedatives, helping you drift off into neverland.

Below we’ll cover the best Kratom strains for sleep, then we’ll take a look at HOW Kratom works to help you relax and get more rest.

Best Red Vein Kratom for Sleep

Red vein Kratom is believed to be one of the best (if not THE best) Kratom strains for sleep. It is known for its sedative and deeply relaxing properties, putting both the mind and body at ease.

Red Kratom is high in the alkaloid mitragynine², noted for its interaction with opioid receptors and for its ability to help manage pain, euphoria, sedation, relaxation, and sedation (especially at moderate to higher doses).

Red Vein Kratom Doses for Sleep and Other Effects:

• The suggested red vein Kratom dosage for sleep is 5-7 grams of powdered leaves.

• 1 to 5 grams of powdered red vein Kratom leaf is considered to be the recommended dosage for moderate discomfort.

• For severe discomfort, use 5 to 10 grams of powdered red vein Kratom leaves.

• According to Kratom users, the recommended dosage of red vein Kratom for energy and concentration is 2 to 3 grams of dry leaf powder.

When first trying red vein Kratom for sleep support or to combat the symptoms of insomnia, it’s best to take a modest amount and see how you react. Various strains are believed to need different dosages; what worked for another strain may be too much of a red strain. Experts suggest that you should begin with a lower dosage (2-4 grams) and gradually increase by 1–2 grams per hour until you reach an effective level.

Red Maeng Da

Red Maeng Da Kratom is supposed to be a heavy hitter, known for producing potent effects. Translated from the traditional Thai language, ‘Maeng Da’ means ‘pimp grade’, paying homage to its strong effects.

Among red Kratom, Maeng Da stands out as a strain that packs a real punch, which may make it ideal for supporting a deeply relaxed state of mind, while also soothing the body, melting away the stresses of the day, and relaxing muscles and joints.

Harvested when the veins of the Mitragyna Speciosa tree turn a deep red, red veined Kratom is notable for its unique alkaloid profile, which might support relaxation and sedation.³

According to studies, these leaves may have analgesic and sedative effects thanks to the presence of an alkaloid that acts as a mu-opioid agonist.

As for doses, Kratom’s effects (including Red Maeng Da) are dose-dependent. This means that the user will notice differing effects at different doses.

Lower doses of between 1-5 grams may be more stimulating and energizing, while doses of 5 grams and higher might be sedative and relaxing. But remember not to overdo it. Maeng Da strains are not generally advisable for new users, and doses should start out slow to assess tolerance.

Red Indo

Short for Indonesian, Red Indo Kratom is cultivated in (you guessed it), Indonesia. This strain of Kratom is believed to have sedative and calming effects, making it a great candidate to help with sleep support.

Similar to Red Maeng Da, Red Indo is harvested when the veins on the leaves of the Kratom tree turn red in color, signaling to Kratom farmers that the alkaloid profile may be ideal for a more sedating and relaxing Kratom.

Doses of Red Indo that might be ideal for sleep and relaxation range between 4.5-6.5 grams.

Red Bali

Red Bali has consistently ranked among the most sought-after red vein Kratom varieties. It may assist individuals in relaxing, combating anxiety, and relieving pain, all of which aid might in getting a more peaceful rest at night.

Grown on the island nation of Bali, Red Bali Kratom is a common strain that is readily available for purchase through the vast majority of Kratom vendors. Due to its commonality, it is also typically one of the most affordable strains to consume.

Like all red Kratom, its effects lean towards body and mind relaxation and calm, while also offering significant pain management as an added bonus.

Doses are similar for Red Indo, and may range between 4.5-6.5 grams depending on tolerance, body composition, and individual physiology.

Red Borneo

Red Borneo may be an excellent choice for people in search of a relaxing strain at the end of the day due to its incredible calming effects. For those with anxious minds, or heavy loads of stress, Red Borneo may aid in getting a better night’s sleep by soothing the mind, calming the nerves, reducing pain (if that’s an issue), and producing a sedative effect that’ll help you drift off to sleep.

Cultivated in Borneo (hence the name), this strain is readily available and affordable, making it great for nightly use when needed.

As a rule, red Kratom strains have more of the alkaloid 5-HO-mitragynine, which may block the body’s opioid receptors to support relaxation and alleviate pain, two major contributors to the strain’s ability to aid with sleep.

Unlike other strains of Kratom which may deliver a burst of energy at lower dosages, Red Borneo is believed to provide the uplifting, mood-enhancing properties of Kratom without being too overpowering, and at moderate to higher doses, results in a sleep support that’ll help you drift off and catch some ‘zzzz’.

Red Hulu

The Red Hulu strain of Kratom, along with the other Hulu Kapuas variations, is notoriously difficult to track down in comparison to other types of Kratom. The reason for this is that it can only be found in one location, namely the woodland that runs along the bank of the Hulu River. This region has an extraordinarily sparse population, and it is notoriously hard to get into and out of the area.

One further factor that contributes to Red Hulu’s scarcity is the limited number of farmers who are capable of correctly identifying the strain, much alone effectively producing and cultivating it.

That’s the bad news. The good news is that this strain has increased in popularity and is now more readily available. Although it typically comes at a premium as compared to other strains, Red Hulu’s unique alkaloid profile is well worth the price for its impressive effects, ranging from euphoria and mood enhancement, to relaxation and sedation.

What is the Best Dose of Kratom For Sleep?

It is important to take time to learn about Kratom dosing before attempting to use it as a sleep aid. The effects of any strain will vary depending on the dosage, with moderate to higher doses tending to produce more sedative, calming, and soothing effects.

Lower doses, on the other hand, tend to result in a more alert, euphoric stimulation and mood enhancement that many find more ideal for daytime use.

No ‘standard’ dosing protocols exist for Kratom, with no established ranges for achieving the desired effect. Further, everyone’s body reacts differently, with some individuals requiring less to achieve results, and some individuals requiring more.

Factors that Affect Dosing for Sleep Include:

• Age
• Gender
• Height / Weight
• Underlying health conditions
• Fitness
• Physiology
• Genetics
• Mode of consumption (powder, capsule, etc.)

That said, most Kratom users tend to start with a dose of around 3 grams, increasing the dose by 1-2 grams per hour until they find the ‘sweet spot’ for them personally.

For sedation and sleep, many consumers report that a dose of between 4.5-7 grams is ideal.

Related: How to Dose Kratom

How Does Kratom Work For Sleep?

There are a number of different ways in which Kratom may assist improve your quality of sleep, ranging from the plant’s sedative effect to its ability to alleviate issues that are preventing you from getting enough rest.

1. Stimulation of Opioid Receptors

Kratom’s biologically active ingredients are comprised of plant alkaloids. To date, more than 40 of these alkaloids have been isolated, the concentrations and profiles of each being what gives strains their unique effects.

Two of the most prominent alkaloids, Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, have been clinically proven to stimulate opioid receptors in mammals (i.e. including humans).⁴ Mitragynine has been shown in scientific studies to be an agonist of these opioid receptors, producing similar (but lesser) effects as does Morphine.

Through this mechanism of action, Kratom might slow down your central nervous system, resulting in a deep sense of calm relaxation, while also soothing the body and reducing pain (more on that later).

2. Euphoria and Improved Mood

The Mitragyna Speciosa plant’s leaves contain dozens of alkaloids, but just TWO are believed to be responsible for Kratom’s euphoric and mood-lifting effects.

The bulk of Kratom’s effects come from two alkaloids called 7-hydroxymitragynine and Mitragynine.

This group of alkaloids is notable because they are all potent agonists for the -subtype of the mammalian opioid receptor. Because we are animals, we all have these receptors. Alkaloids are absorbed into the circulation after being digested in the digestive tract and the liver, where they enter the bloodstream and bind to opioid receptors in the brain, triggering a surge of dopamine⁵ and a pleasant euphoric rush⁶.

Kratom users often report greater motivation, improved social skills, enjoyment, excitement, mood, and an overall more optimistic view after taking the supplement. The positive effects of euphoria on one’s energy, libido, stress levels, and other aspects of one’s well-being may add up to a powerful two-pronged attack on the problems and worries that plague people on a day-to-day basis, including the ability to shut off the stresses of the day and get a good night’s sleep.

3. Stress and Anxiety Relief

According to the Journal of Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, sleep difficulties, especially insomnia, are common in people with anxiety disorders.⁷ In fact, several diagnostic criteria for illnesses including generalized anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder now include sleep complaints like sleeplessness or nightmares.

Scientific research has revealed that Kratom may have the ability to relieve anxiety and enhance mood across a diverse range of consumers.⁸

Anxiety and stress are among the leading causes of insomnia and lack of deep restful sleep. With the worries of the day weighing heavily on our shoulders, many of us have trouble ‘shutting off’ our brains and being able to achieve a relaxed state ideal for drifting off to sleep.

By reducing anxiety and melting stress away, Kratom may help users achieve a feeling of zen and calm, improving mood, and creating a feeling conducive to rest and sleep.

4. Pain Management

Disorders relating to sleep quality and continuity are common among those suffering from pain. According to The Clinical Journal of Pain, it has been scientifically proven that chronic pain disrupts sleep.⁹

If you’re looking for a natural way to alleviate discomfort, Kratom may be great natural (legal) options that exist in nature. And without many of the harsh side effects found with prescription painkillers.

As a matter of fact, the Journal of Addiction cites that many individuals may have utilized Kratom as a replacement for synthetic opioids throughout the withdrawal process, due to its efficacy as a painkiller.¹⁰ Opioid addiction, both to legal and illegal opioids, may be managed with Kratom.

NOTE: This is NOT a recommendation to not take prescription painkillers. Always follow the advice of your doctor. However, some individuals, under the guidance of their doctor prefer to explore NATURAL alternatives to help improve their quality of life. This can be one such option.

Some people have a hard time accepting that Kratom, a plant, may aid with the management of heroin and morphine addiction. However, remember that most narcotic medications are also derived from plants.

For example, Papaver somniferum, often known as the opium poppy, is the source of morphine. This plant-based opioid serves as a basis for or direct ancestor to many other powerful painkillers, such as oxycodone and heroin (diacetylmorphine).

Studies have shown that Kratom may work (in part) by inhibiting an enzyme called COX-2, in addition to triggering the opioid receptors, two mechanisms of action that naturally reduce pain.¹¹ Inflammation is triggered by this component of our immune system. When blocked, pain is alleviated where it begins.

Related: The Best Kratom Strains for Pain Management

5. Muscle Relaxing Properties

The Journal of Brain Research Bulletin, along with other studies, have proven that Mitragynine, the main alkaloid in Kratom, may have several therapeutic effects, including muscle relaxation.¹²

For those who work physically demanding jobs, or for those with underlying injuries, pain can significantly reduce quality of life. One area where this is most prominent is in sleep quality. Aches, pains, and tight muscles and joints may make it difficult to remain comfortable lying down, preventing these individuals from falling or staying asleep. When used for its muscle-relaxing properties, many users report that Kratom may help them fall asleep easier and stay asleep without the nagging pain of their usual aches.

BONUS: White Vein Kratom to Combat Fatigue from Little Sleep

White Vein Kratom is supposed to have energizing, uplifting, and stimulating properties. In fact, many consumers prefer using white vein Kratom as a mid-day ‘pick-me-up’, or in lieu of jittery coffee or energy drinks.

How does this help you sleep? It doesn’t. But for those of us who have difficulty sleeping, we often rely heavily on other supplements and aids to help us get through our busy days.

If you have difficulty sleeping and are left feeling groggy, tired, and fatigued, white vein Kratom strains might be able to help.

Why / How Does Kratom Give You Energy?

Those are alkaloids! Studies have indicated that the alkaloids in Kratom interact with the opioid receptors in mammals. You are a mammal, thus these receptors are already present in your brain and body.

In smaller dosages, the primary alkaloids in Kratom stimulate these receptors, leading to a euphoric, energizing state of body and mind that many people prefer to coffee or jittery energy drinks for their stimulating effects.

Let’s take a look at a few of the most popular white vein Kratom to help energize you when you’re feeling tired and burned out.

White Borneo

White Borneo Kratom’s energizing and relaxing effects have made it a popular supplement. Like an upbeat mood enhancer mixed with a less jittery stimulation like caffeine, White Borneo might give you the attention and energy you need to get through the day.

White Borneo’s alkaloids may cause a stimulatory reaction comparable to that of an energy drink or coffee, but with a much smoother ride and without the crash when it wears off; in other words, it might provide a euphoric mood boost that promotes motivation and can help you get through the day, even when you’re exhausted from not getting enough rest.

White Maeng Da

In search of a stimulating and potent Kratom strain to keep you alert and energized after getting little sleep? If you’re feeling down, maybe some White Maeng Da Kratom would help. Users who need a little additional pep in their step during the day often turn to this powerful strain of Kratom for its purported energizing effects.

One of the things that set White Maeng Da Kratom apart is the particular alkaloid combination it contains (the bioactive compounds found in Kratom). These alkaloids, present in very high amounts, are responsible for the strain’s effects.

Since the leaves are picked before they have matured, the alkaloid profile is a stark contrast to that of ‘red’ strains, producing energy similar to that of an energy drink, but with added relaxation, euphoria, and improved mood. Just what you need to get through long days on little sleep.

Stop Suffering from Lack of Sleep In Silence

Whether you’re not getting rest due to aches and pains, or from a diagnosed sleep disorder, Kratom works through several mechanisms of action that may help you get a better night’s sleep.

And it might do this without the harsh side effects often experienced with OTC or prescription sleep aids.

If you are among the tens of millions of individuals who have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, don’t suffer in silence. Talk to your healthcare provider about options, and consider giving Kratom a go. From stress relief to pain relief and everything in-between, Kratom might offer a myriad of benefits that the vast majority of users cite as having a significant positive impact on their quality of life. Perhaps you can too.

References

1. Sleep and Sleep Disorders. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2022.

2. Boffa, L., Ghè, C., Barge, A., Muccioli, G., & Cravotto, G. (2018). Alkaloid profiles and activity in different Mitragyna speciosa strains. Natural Product Communications, 13(9), 1111-1116. (Ref number 36)

3. Garcia-Romeu A, Cox DJ, Smith KE, Dunn KE, Griffiths RR. Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa): User demographics, use patterns, and implications for the opioid epidemic. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2020 Mar 1;208:107849. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.107849. Epub 2020 Feb 3. PMID: 32029298; PMCID: PMC7423016.

4. Obeng S, Wilkerson JL, León F, Reeves ME, Restrepo LF, Gamez-Jimenez LR, Patel A, Pennington AE, Taylor VA, Ho NP, Braun T, Fortner JD, Crowley ML, Williamson MR, Pallares VLC, Mottinelli M, Lopera-Londoño C, McCurdy CR, McMahon LR, Hiranita T. Pharmacological Comparison of Mitragynine and 7-Hydroxymitragynine: In Vitro Affinity and Efficacy for μ-Opioid Receptor and Opioid-Like Behavioral Effects in Rats. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2021 Mar;376(3):410-427. doi: 10.1124/jpet.120.000189. Epub 2020 Dec 31. PMID: 33384303; PMCID: PMC7923387.

5. Meireles V, Rosado T, Barroso M, Soares S, Gonçalves J, Luís Â, Caramelo D, Simão AY, Fernández N, Duarte AP, Gallardo E. Mitragyna speciosa: Clinical, Toxicological Aspects and Analysis in Biological and Non-Biological Samples. Medicines (Basel). 2019 Mar 4;6(1):35. doi: 10.3390/medicines6010035. PMID: 30836609; PMCID: PMC6473843.

6. Striley CW, Hoeflich CC, Viegas AT, Berkowitz LA, Matthews EG, Akin LP, Iheanyi-Okeahialam C, Mansoor U, McCurdy CR. Health Effects Associated With Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) and Polysubstance Use: A Narrative Review. Subst Abuse. 2022 May 20;16:11782218221095873. doi: 10.1177/11782218221095873. PMID: 35645563; PMCID: PMC9130800.

7. Staner L. Sleep and anxiety disorders. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2003 Sep;5(3):249-58. doi: 10.31887/DCNS.2003.5.3/lstaner. PMID: 22033804; PMCID: PMC3181635.

8. Johnson LE, Balyan L, Magdalany A, Saeed F, Salinas R, Wallace S, Veltri CA, Swogger MT, Walsh Z, Grundmann O. The Potential for Kratom as an Antidepressant and Antipsychotic. Yale J Biol Med. 2020 Jun 29;93(2):283-289. PMID: 32607089; PMCID: PMC7309668.

9. Finan PH, Goodin BR, Smith MT. The association of sleep and pain: an update and a path forward. J Pain. 2013 Dec;14(12):1539-52. doi: 10.1016/j.jpain.2013.08.007. PMID: 24290442; PMCID: PMC4046588.

10. Boyer EW, Babu KM, Adkins JE, McCurdy CR, Halpern JH. Self-treatment of opioid withdrawal using kratom (Mitragynia speciosa korth). Addiction. 2008 Jun;103(6):1048-50. doi: 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2008.02209.x. PMID: 18482427; PMCID: PMC3670991

11. Utar Z, Majid MI, Adenan MI, Jamil MF, Lan TM. Mitragynine inhibits the COX-2 mRNA expression and prostaglandin E₂ production induced by lipopolysaccharide in RAW264.7 macrophage cells. J Ethnopharmacol. 2011 Jun 14;136(1):75-82. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2011.04.011. Epub 2011 Apr 12. PMID: 21513785.

12. Suhaimi FW, Yusoff NH, Hassan R, Mansor SM, Navaratnam V, Müller CP, Hassan Z. Neurobiology of Kratom and its main alkaloid mitragynine. Brain Res Bull. 2016 Sep;126(Pt 1):29-40. doi: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2016.03.015. Epub 2016 Mar 25. PMID: 27018165.