IV Ketamine for Insomnia and Better Sleep
Learn how IV Ketamine can help improve disordered sleep, particularly with overlapping depression
*IV Ketamine, NR, and NAD+ have been used clinically off-label for decades. They are not FDA approved for the treatment of any psychiatric or pain condition. All medical treatments carry risks and benefits that you must discuss with a doctor at Clarus Health to learn if these therapies are right for you.
How IV Ketamine Can Help Improve Sleep Disturbances
Many people experiencing depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders suffer significantly disrupted sleep. The aging brain also experiences changes in sleep profile. Conventional sleep medications often address symptoms superficially, without tackling underlying causes. IV ketamine is gaining attention as an emerging therapy that not only alleviates depressive symptoms rapidly but may also improve sleep disturbances by addressing root biological factors.
Ketamine's Role in Improving Sleep
IV ketamine has been primarily recognized for its rapid antidepressant properties, but emerging research shows significant benefits for sleep quality, as well. Ketamine acts by selectively blocking NMDA receptors, which leads to a series of beneficial neurological events. These include increased release of the neurotransmitter glutamate, enhanced brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, and improved neuronal activity—all of which are essential for regulating healthy sleep patterns (Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2021).
How Ketamine Influences Sleep and Circadian Rhythms
Ketamine positively influences sleep by regulating circadian rhythms—the body's internal clock that dictates sleep-wake cycles. According to recent findings, ketamine alters clock-gene-related molecules, helping realign disrupted circadian timing common in mood disorders. As a result, ketamine can improve sleep in the following ways:
The changes in sleep profile are consistent with positive improvements in physical recovery and mental restoration. This effect appears particularly beneficial for individuals whose sleep disruptions are related to anxiety or depression.
In fact, improvements in sleep are predictive of improved antidepressant response, likely mediated through BDNF.
Additional Neurocognitive Benefits
Beyond improving sleep directly, ketamine offers neurocognitive benefits crucial for overall mental health and sleep improvement. It reduces oxidative stress and may protect against neuronal damage, factors associated with improved cognitive function and brain health. Ketamine's anti-inflammatory effects may also improve neuronal health. These actions may support better sleep by enhancing brain function and reducing disturbances arising from cognitive impairment or mood dysregulation.
Start Healing from Insomnia with IV Ketamine
Insomnia and its complications can be painful and complex to treat, often complicated by overlapping conditions such as depression, cognitive impairments, and heart disease. Emerging evidence strongly supports the use of IV Ketamine and stellate ganglion blocks (SGB) as promising modalities to address these challenging complications. Both therapies demonstrate a potential for rapid and sustained efficacy in improving sleep and enhancing cognitive and emotional functioning. Schedule a free consultation with Clarus Health to learn if Ketamine may be effective in supporting your sleep health.
Anthony Kaveh MD
Dr. Kaveh is a Stanford and Harvard-trained anesthesiologist and integrative medicine specialist. He has over 1,000,000 followers on social media and has guided hundreds of patients throughout transformative healing experiences. He is an authority on Ketamine, NAD, SGB, and genomics-guided therapies. He is a continuing medical education lecturer in the Bay Area.
