What Does the Research Show?

Recent large, controlled trials have begun to clarify the effects of microdosing LSD—such as in edibles, gummies, or chocolates—on sleep quality.

Sleep Quality and Duration

• No Change on Microdosing Day: Studies consistently report that there is no significant change in sleep quantity or quality on the day an LSD microdose is consumed. That means people do not fall asleep faster or experience markedly different sleep if they take a microdose during the day.

• Improved Sleep the Night After Microdosing: The most robust finding is that, on the night after a microdose of LSD, participants experience measurable improvements in sleep:

  • An average of 24 extra minutes of total sleep per night compared to placebo.

  • About 8 more minutes of REM (dream) sleep.

  • Earlier bedtimes (about 25 minutes earlier), but no change in wake-up time.

  • No changes in the proportion of time spent in deep, light, or REM stages relative to each other.

• These effects have only been found in healthy adult males under controlled study conditions, and the improvement is primarily seen as a modest increase in sleep duration and REM sleep the day after microdosing, rather than a dramatic change in overall sleep quality.

Does Microdosing LSD Cause Sleep Problems?

• There is no evidence of sleep disruption, insomnia, or poor sleep quality from microdosing LSD at clinical (sub-hallucinogenic) doses, based on several thousand nights of observed data.

• No participants in these trials developed tolerance or negative effects on sleep from repeated microdosing over 6-week study periods.

• However, full or high doses of LSD (not microdoses) can definitely disrupt sleep, delay sleep onset, and cause negative experiences like insomnia or nightmares. Such disruptions are not reported at microdosing levels.

Are There Subjective Improvements?

• Objective sleep tracker data reveal the above improvements, but self-reported subjective sleep quality scores don’t always show much change. So, while people sleep longer and spend more time in REM following a microdose, they may not always feel dramatically different the next morning.

Cautions and Limitations

• All available studies have been in healthy adult men; effects may vary in women, older adults, or people with sleep disorders.

• The precise mechanism by which microdosing increases REM and total sleep time is not fully understood, but likely relates to LSD’s mild effects on serotonin and brain plasticity.

• Individual responses can vary, and some people in informal surveys have reported mild sleep difficulties, although clinical trials do not support this as a typical outcome.

Key Points

• Microdosing LSD edibles does not disrupt sleep—it does not cause insomnia or fragmentation.

• The main effect is a modest increase in sleep duration and REM sleep the night after microdosing.

• No negative impact on sleep quality has been observed in controlled clinical trials with sub-hallucinogenic doses.

• Larger or recreational doses, in contrast, are disruptive and should not be used for sleep-related purposes.

Disclaimer: All forms of LSD, including edibles, are controlled substances in most regions. Their use remains illegal outside of clinical trials and carries legal and health risks. Consult with a medical professional and follow all local regulations.