A new study has been launched to investigate the effects of LSD microdosing on sleep and cognitive measures.
Mind Medicine Inc. (MindMed) will be using digital measurement devices and software to measure the effects of LSD microdoses on neuroplasticity markers such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plasma levels.
It will also look at sleep measures, mood, cognitive performance, regulation of emotions, quality of life and immune system response.
Dr Kim Kuypers of Maastricht University, a leading global authority on the use of low-dose psychedelics, who will conduct the study, commented: “Research into the practice of taking repeated low doses of psychedelics starts with the basics, looking at whether there is a time of day that influences the impact of these treatments.
“We are investigating whether the repeated intake of lower doses could lead to realignment of patterns of thinking that would enable individuals to access levels of self-awareness that can provide an enriched experience of life.”
MindMed executive president, Dr Miri Halperin Wernli, added: “Increasingly, claims are being made about so-called ‘microdosing’ of psychedelics regarding the potential to impact mental and physical well-being, cognition, memory, and specific aspects such as creativity and productivity.
“However, scientific evidence to support or even fully explore the safety and benefits claimed has been lacking. With our innovative study design, integrating digital medicine measurement techniques with more traditional self-reporting and cognitive tasks, our goal is to provide insight on key parameters that may impact and explain the mechanisms behind low-dose treatments.
“These parameters include diurnal versus nocturnal differences and possible cumulative effects due to repeated administration. This regimen could provide new tools to deal with various pathologies, helping to unblock pathological ways of thinking by shifting an individual’s perspective, catalysing insights and ultimately changing problematic and habitual mindsets and behaviours.”
