You Can’t Sleep on LSD: Here’s Why
LSD, or lysergic acid diethylamide, is a powerful psychedelic drug that has been used for decades, primarily for recreational purposes. It has strong hallucinogenic and mind-altering effects. The effects of LSD include changes in sensory perception, heightened alertness, and a distortion of time, as well as increased awareness of your surroundings.
Despite its effects, many people who use LSD find themselves unable to sleep afterwards. Here are some common reasons why:
Sleep Deprivation
When you take LSD, your senses become heightened, which can make falling asleep more difficult. To top it off, the effects of LSD can last for up to 12 hours, leaving you feeling fatigued and sleep-deprived the next day. This can make it hard to get enough restful sleep, making it even harder to fall asleep.
Anxiety
The intense bodily sensations, mental stimulation, and altered perceptions that come with taking LSD can also cause anxiety. Anxiety and fear can impede your ability to sleep, as your mind races with thoughts about the effects of the drug.
Lower Core Temperature
LSD can lead to a decrease in body temperature. When your body is at a lower temperature than normal, it is harder to fall asleep. This can further contribute to the feeling of sleep deprivation.
Tips for Falling Asleep After Taking LSD
If you find yourself having difficulty sleeping after taking LSD, here are some tips to help you get some rest:
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids throughout your trip can help reduce the intensity of the effects and prevent dehydration.
- Take an Anti-Anxiety Medication: If anxiety is keeping you awake, consider taking a mild anti-anxiety medication to help you relax and sleep.
- Try Natural Sleep Aids: There are natural sleep aids that can help you relax and sleep. These include chamomile tea, magnesium supplements, and melatonin.
- Create a Comfortable Sleeping Environment: Creating a comfortable sleeping environment can help you relax and fall asleep. Try wearing comfortable clothing and keeping your room dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature.
LSD can cause a number of side effects, including difficulty sleeping. If you find yourself unable to sleep after taking LSD, try some of the tips above to help you get some rest.
2. Is it dangerous to attempt to sleep on LSD?
Yes, it is dangerous to attempt to sleep on LSD. Although the effects of LSD are usually mild and short lasting, the drug can cause extreme changes in mood, perception and behavior. In some cases this state of altered consciousness can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Sleeping on LSD can cause a person to be particularly vulnerable to accidents, hostile situations, confusion and disorientation, making it an unwise choice.
1. What effects does LSD have on the body’s natural sleep cycle?
LSD can disrupt a person’s natural sleep cycle by altering brain activity. This can lead to various physical effects such as: increased heart rate and blood pressure, increased body temperature, sweating, increased energy and alertness, increased sensitivity to light and sound, decreased appetite, diarrhea, and loss of coordination. These physical effects can lead to psychological effects such as: intense feelings of euphoria, feelings of depersonalization, altered perception of time and space, visual and auditory hallucinations, and altered judgment. LSD can also compromise the natural sleep cycle because users may be up for long periods of time, leading to sleep deprivation, which can have its own serious long-term health effects.