Ergothioneine, a naturally occurring antioxidant found in mushrooms, has for the first time been shown to improve sleep difficulties in humans.

Sleep’s Role in Healthy Aging

Quality sleep isn’t just restful—it’s foundational for healthy aging. People who sleep well experience significantly lower risks of mortality from all causes—up to 48%. Good sleep supports heart health, memory consolidation, immune function, reproductive health, and mental well-being. On the flip side, poor sleep contributes to inflammation and oxidative stress, both hallmarks of accelerated aging.

A compound that tackles both oxidative stress and inflammation while promoting restful sleep could be a powerful ally for healthy longevity. Enter ergothioneine.

The Study: How Ergothioneine Improved Sleep in Middle-Aged Adults

Researchers at the Suntory Global Innovation Center in Japan conducted a four-week study involving 92 middle-aged participants (average age: ~53) who reported mild sleep troubles linked to stress and anxiety. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: one received a placebo pill daily, while the other took a 20 mg ergothioneine supplement each day.

The results were striking: those taking ergothioneine showed improvements across both subjective and objective sleep measures. The supplement increased levels of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory molecules without any reported adverse effects, suggesting that the 20 mg dose is not only effective but also well-tolerated.

Lower Doses Also Effective—Emerging Evidence

Recent modeling and follow-up clinical trials using physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models indicate that even lower doses—around 8 mg/day—taken over 16 weeks may significantly improve subjective sleep quality. These trials suggest that lower-level dosing regimens may achieve the necessary plasma levels for efficacy while offering flexibility for users.

Summary

Ergothioneine, an antioxidant present in mushrooms, shows promise in improving sleep.

A 20 mg daily dose for four weeks significantly improved both subjective and objective sleep metrics in stressed, middle-aged adults.

Lower doses (8 mg/day for 16 weeks) may also be effective, according to pharmacokinetic modeling and clinical trials.

The supplement was well tolerated, with no serious side effects reported at the studied doses.

Why This Matters

This groundbreaking research offers a dual benefit: targeting the underlying biological drivers of aging while also enhancing something as vital as sleep. With decreasing doses showing potential efficacy, ergothioneine may pave the way for tailored, safe, and practical anti-aging sleep support.