There’s something magical about those quiet evening hours when the world slows down. For me, that’s when the kitchen feels like a sanctuary. A few months ago, I found myself reaching for a warm cup of something comforting after dinner—but regular coffee was out of the question if I wanted any decent sleep.
That’s when I stumbled upon mushroom coffee. I’d heard whispers of its calming benefits and lower caffeine, and the idea of sipping something earthy and nourishing before bed intrigued me. So, I gave it a shot.
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The first sip felt different. Rich, mellow, and grounding—far from the jittery buzz of my usual morning brew. I started researching more and asking myself: Can you drink mushroom coffee at night without tossing and turning all night long?
Before we get into that, let’s talk about what mushroom coffee actually is. It’s not just regular coffee with portobellos floating on top. It’s a blend of medicinal mushroom extracts—like lion’s mane, reishi, chaga, and cordyceps—combined with either coffee or herbal bases. These mushrooms aren’t your sautéed stir-fry variety; they’re prized for their adaptogenic properties, which help your body manage stress.
I quickly learned that people drink mushroom coffee not only for its taste but also for the potential perks: calmer focus, immune support, and a smoother energy curve. It’s not hard to see why it’s become a popular alternative to traditional brews—especially for those looking to cut down on caffeine at night.
If you’re exploring cozy drinks that fit into a relaxing nighttime routine, you might also love this Orange Cream Cold Brew or even a fruity Matcha Latte with Strawberry Syrup. But now, let’s take a closer look at what makes mushroom coffee tick and whether it truly belongs in your bedtime cup.
Understanding Mushroom Coffee’s Effects
Does Mushroom Coffee Have Caffeine?
The short answer is yes—but less than your regular cup. Most mushroom coffee blends contain about 40 to 60 milligrams of caffeine per serving, which is nearly half the caffeine of a standard 8-ounce coffee. For those who are sensitive to caffeine or trying to cut back in the evenings, that lower content can make all the difference. But keep in mind: even that smaller dose might still affect you depending on your individual tolerance.
That’s where the magic of mushroom coffee really shines. Unlike regular coffee, which delivers a quick, sharp spike in alertness (and sometimes anxiety), mushroom coffee creates a more balanced lift. Thanks to the adaptogens—natural compounds in mushrooms like lion’s mane, reishi, and chaga—the experience is smoother and less jarring. These adaptogens are known to support the nervous system and regulate stress responses, helping to maintain focus while avoiding the dreaded caffeine crash.
How It Affects the Brain and Body at Night
Drinking mushroom coffee at night isn’t just about managing caffeine. It’s about how your body processes the entire blend. For example, reishi is often used for its calming effects, while lion’s mane supports cognition without overstimulation. When combined with low levels of caffeine, these mushrooms may offer a mild mental lift that winds down gently—especially helpful if you’re finishing a project, journaling, or easing into your evening.
Still, timing matters. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, even the reduced amount in mushroom coffee might keep you up. Try enjoying it earlier in the evening or opt for a decaf version to be safe.
If you’re pairing your nighttime drink with a light dessert, this White Chocolate Pistachio Tiramisu is a dreamy way to treat yourself without weighing you down.
Benefits of Drinking Mushroom Coffee at Night
Can Mushroom Coffee Help You Sleep?
At first glance, drinking any type of coffee at night sounds like a bad idea—but mushroom coffee flips that script. The key lies in the blend. When your evening cup includes calming mushrooms like reishi and chaga, you’re not just sipping a warm drink; you’re supporting your body’s natural ability to wind down.
Reishi is often called the “queen of mushrooms” for its relaxation benefits. Studies suggest it may help calm the nervous system, reduce anxiety, and even support deeper sleep. Chaga, on the other hand, offers antioxidant support and immune-balancing effects, which can promote an overall sense of calm. When combined in a low- or no-caffeine mushroom coffee, these ingredients can help your body ease into rest—not fight it.
It’s no surprise then that so many people ask, Can you drink mushroom coffee at night without ruining your sleep? For many, the answer is yes—especially when the coffee is caffeine-free. Some blends even skip coffee entirely and use herbal bases to deliver only the adaptogenic benefits.
When and How to Sip for Nighttime Balance
The best time to drink mushroom coffee at night is typically one to two hours before bed. This gives your body enough time to absorb the adaptogens without risking late-night alertness from residual caffeine. If your blend contains any coffee at all, aim for early evening—right after dinner or during your wind-down period.
Want to build a full nighttime routine? Pair your mushroom coffee with a small, no-bake treat like this Raspberry Lemon Tiramisu to satisfy your sweet tooth and support a soothing close to the day.
Who Should Avoid It and Smart Alternatives
When Mushroom Coffee Might Keep You Up
Even though it’s gentler than your morning espresso, mushroom coffee isn’t for everyone—especially at night. If you’re someone who feels wired from even a green tea or dark chocolate square, then mushroom coffee, even with its lower caffeine levels, might still interfere with your rest.
That’s why it’s important to pay attention to your body’s signals. Drinking mushroom coffee at night can be a relaxing ritual for some, but for others, even the 40–50 mg of caffeine it contains may lead to tossing and turning. If you’ve ever had trouble falling asleep after a late latte, you’re probably better off saving your mushroom coffee for earlier in the day.
Decaf Blends and Non-Coffee Alternatives
The good news? You don’t have to skip the ritual. Many brands now offer caffeine-free mushroom elixirs featuring only calming mushrooms like reishi and turkey tail—no coffee included. These blends deliver the adaptogenic benefits without any stimulation, making them ideal for winding down.
If you’re looking for a satisfying evening habit, start with a caffeine-free mushroom drink about an hour before bed. Warm it up with oat milk or almond milk, maybe sprinkle in some cinnamon or cocoa for comfort. You’ll get the earthy, grounding benefits without the buzz.
Pair your nightcap with something easy and nourishing like this Healthy Dill Pickle Chicken Salad or, if you’re craving dessert, try this Biscoff Banana Cream Pudding — a no-bake delight with just the right amount of indulgence.
The bottom line? Can you drink mushroom coffee at night? Yes—but be mindful of the blend and your own sensitivity. With the right cup, you might just turn your evening brew into a calming, sleep-friendly ritual.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to drink mushroom coffee before bed?
Yes, mushroom coffee is generally safe to drink before bed, especially if you choose a low- or no-caffeine blend. The inclusion of calming adaptogens like reishi can support relaxation. However, if you’re highly sensitive to caffeine, even small amounts could affect your sleep. Test your tolerance earlier in the evening before making it a nightly habit.
Does mushroom coffee contain caffeine?
Most mushroom coffees do contain caffeine, typically 40–60 mg per serving—about half the amount found in regular coffee. Some blends use decaffeinated coffee or omit it altogether, focusing only on medicinal mushrooms for their calming or focusing effects. Always check the label if you’re avoiding caffeine at night.
Can mushroom coffee improve sleep quality?
It can, especially when made with mushrooms known for their relaxing properties. Reishi and chaga, for example, are used to promote stress relief and calm. In caffeine-free mushroom blends, these adaptogens may support a smoother transition to sleep. Just make sure your blend doesn’t include stimulating ingredients.
What are the effects of drinking mushroom coffee at night?
The effects vary depending on the caffeine level and your sensitivity. Some people experience mild mental clarity and calm, especially with reishi-based blends. Others may feel slightly stimulated if the coffee contains caffeine. To avoid sleep disruptions, opt for decaf mushroom coffee or herbal mushroom drinks before bed.
Mushroom Coffee Recipe
A warm and calming mushroom coffee blend featuring reishi, oat milk, and cinnamon—perfect for sipping before bed to help relax and unwind.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stirred
- Cuisine: Wellness
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
1 tsp mushroom coffee blend (with reishi or lion’s mane)
3/4 cup hot water (not boiling)
1/4 cup unsweetened oat milk
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp maple syrup (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat water until hot but not boiling.
2. Add mushroom coffee blend to your favorite mug.
3. Pour hot water over the blend and stir until fully dissolved.
4. Add oat milk and stir gently.
5. Top with cinnamon and maple syrup if using.
6. Enjoy warm about 1 hour before bedtime.
Notes
For best results, choose a caffeine-free blend if you’re sensitive to stimulants.
You can froth your oat milk for a latte-style finish.
Add a pinch of ashwagandha for extra adaptogenic support if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 35
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 1.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
