Can Kanna Help with Sleep? Here’s What You Need to Know
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Sleep is sacred—and for many of us, increasingly elusive. Whether you struggle with falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling restored, you’re not alone.
But can Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) help to improve sleep? This ancient South African succulent is gaining attention for its ability to support mental well-being, emotional regulation, and—more recently—better sleep.
So, can Kanna help you sleep better? According to Kanna usersLet’s explore the evidence, and how to use it safely and effectively.
What Is Kanna?
Kanna is a non-psychedelic, legal psychoactive plant traditionally used by the San and Khoi peoples of South Africa for stress relief, social connection, and emotional resilience.
Today, it’s known for its ability to:
Uplift mood
Calm stress
Increase mind-body awareness
Support focus and emotional processing
Its calming-yet-awake quality makes it a unique tool for nervous system support—which is key to falling and staying asleep.
How Kanna May Help with Sleep
Kanna primarily works through two mechanisms:
Natural Serotonin Reuptake Inhibition (SRI): By gently increasing serotonin availability, Kanna may help regulate circadian rhythms and promote relaxation without sedation.
PDE4 Inhibition: This pathway is linked to lower inflammation and improved cognitive function, which supports a calmer baseline and better sleep quality.
Together, these mechanisms support:
Reduced bedtime anxiety
Increased emotional regulation
Deeper parasympathetic activation (aka rest-and-digest mode)
Many users report:
Falling asleep faster
Experiencing more vivid dreams and REM sleep
Waking up more rested and less groggy
“The product itself is very effective and has made a discernible difference in mood, energy and sleep. I wear a sleep tracker and the increase in REM sleep, night time HRV and general sleep quality has been very noticeable. I take it in the morning in my coffee so that any stimulant effect (for me it’s more energizing than sedative) is done by the time I’m ready for bed.
”
How to Take Kanna for Sleep
If your Kanna formulation is energizing rather than sedating, the key with Kanna is to take it early enough in the day.
Because it’s gently energizing for most people, it’s best to take Kanna:
In the morning (e.g. in your coffee or smoothie)
At least 4–6 hours before bed
Kanna doesn’t act like melatonin or sedatives. Instead, it helps regulate energy during your day to improve your night.
By reducing stress, balancing serotonin, and supporting resilience, you arrive at bedtime with less tension, more ease and ready to catch some zzz’s.
What’s the Best Kanna Product for Sleep?
Our two most popular products for sleep support are:
KANNA ENERGY Extract Powder — Take sublingually in the morning. Calming, centering, and sets the tone for a great day (and night).
KANNA DROPS (Mint) — Smooth, fast-acting, and great for pairing with morning rituals or breathwork.
Neither will make you drowsy—but both will help you cultivate the inner calm needed for deep sleep.
Final Thoughts: Can Kanna Help You Sleep?
Kanna isn’t a sedative—but it is a powerful ally for improving your overall sleep quality.
By helping you feel better during the day—more regulated, less anxious, more focused—you’re more likely to fall asleep with ease and wake up feeling refreshed.
Ready to support your sleep the natural way?
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