Struggling to Sleep? Your Gut Might Be the Reason

Ladies, sometimes getting a good night’s sleep feels impossible.

It’s not just one restless night. It could be weeks, maybe even months of tossing and turning if your stress levels are high or your body feels out of whack.  

And when that happens, you start trying everything—yoga, meditation, melatonin, magnesium, herbal teas, even doctor-prescribed Ambien and other sleep aids.

Maybe they work for awhile. But often they don't. So you lie awake wondering, what’s going on?

When it happened to me, I went to a sleep specialist, hoping for answers—but I left frustrated when he rattled off stuff I’d already tried.

"Turn off all devices two hours before bedtime."
"Don’t drink anything after 6 p.m."
"Don’t watch TV in your bedroom."
"Read something at night."

I’d done it all—even prayed about it. And still, I couldn’t sleep. Eventually a friend—who’s basically a walking health encyclopedia—casually asked me, “Have you ever considered that your gut health could be messing with your sleep?”

Could a Probiotic Help You Sleep?

That friend introduced me to something called Lactobacillus reuteri, commonly called L. reuteri. It’s a probiotic strain that has some surprising potential benefits for sleep, stress, and relaxation.

At first, I was skeptical. I thought probiotics were just for digestion. But when I started digging into the research, I realized that my gut might be playing a bigger role in my restless nights than I’d realized.

Let Me Just Say…

There’s no shortage of so-called wellness “experts” selling the next magic fix.

Remember The Whole Pantry scam? Belle Gibson built an empire claiming she cured terminal cancer with food—except she never had cancer. Or the celery juice craze? The Medical Medium had thousands believing it could heal everything from acne to autoimmune disease. I’ll admit—I was a believer too. 

These days, I'm in no rush to heed unsolicited health advice (unless it’s from my doctor) because what works for someone else may not work for me. Though well-intentioned, some influencers offer health advice based on their journey, without knowing anything about your medical history, genetics, allergies, or sensitivities.

But gut health? That’s not a fad. This was a nugget I needed to know.  The link between the gut and brain is real—and L. reuteri just might hold the key to the restful sleep you’ve been chasing.

How L. Reuteri May Help You Sleep Better

Strengthens the Gut-Brain Connection
Your gut produces 90% of your body’s serotonin, which helps regulate mood and sleep. Since serotonin helps produce melatonin, a balanced gut microbiome may naturally improve your sleep cycle.

Lowers Stress & Cortisol
Too much cortisol (the stress hormone) at night keeps your body in fight-or-flight mode, making sleep difficult. L. reuteri may help lower cortisol, promoting a calmer, more restful state.

Reduces Inflammation
Chronic inflammation can disrupt sleep, leaving you restless. L. reuteri has anti-inflammatory properties that may help your body relax and recover.

Supports GABA
There’s something in your brain called GABA receptors. Their job is to slow things down and help you relax. L. reuteri may help support GABA activity, which can slow racing thoughts and promote a calmer, more restful state—similar to how some anti-anxiety meds and sleep aids work.

Boosts Oxytocin
L. reuteri may help increase oxytocin, the hormone linked to relaxation, bonding, and stress reduction—all essential for deep sleep.

How Is L. Reuteri Different from Other Probiotics?

It’s true—most probiotics focus on digestion, bloating, or immunity—but L. reuteri is different. It’s one of the few strains linked to oxytocin production, cortisol reduction, and brain health—all factors that can affect how well you sleep.

Not all probiotics have this effect, so if you're considering adding one for better sleep, make sure it specifically contains L. reuteri.

 Where Can You Get L. Reuteri?

You can find L. reuteri in some yogurts and fermented cheeses, but here’s the thing—these products aren’t usually stocked in standard grocery stores. Annoying, right?

One option is kefir—specifically, Lifeway Kefir, which lists L. reuteri as part of its probiotic blend.

Like my friend, you can ferment your own L. reuteri yogurt at home. It’s cheaper in the long run, and some say it’s more potent than store-bought options. Plus, if you're dairy-free, you can even make it with coconut milk. Check out: Dr. Davis’ Recipe for L. Reuteri Yogurt.

You can also find L. reuteri in supplement form from brands like: BioGaia, Toniiq and Life Extension (specifically their Florassist Probiotic Heart Health supplement).  

Trust Your Body First

At the end of the day, the best thing you can do is trust your gut—pun intended.

I don’t know if L. reuteri is right for you, but if you’ve tried everything and still can’t sleep, it might be worth exploring.

The real goal isn’t just to chase another quick fix. It’s to find what works for you—in a way that’s sustainable, backed by science, and appropriate for your unique body and situation.

Sweet dreams…