You’ve probably tried everything for better sleep. Melatonin. Magnesium. Maybe even prescription sleep aids.
But what if a specific probiotic could work better than all of them? Recent research suggests this tiny living organism might be the sleep breakthrough you’ve been searching for.
What the Research Shows
Scientists wanted to know if a probiotic strain called Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Lp815 could actually improve sleep quality. They studied one hundred thirty-nine adults who struggled with sleep problems.
Half the group took five billion CFU of the probiotic daily. The other half took a placebo. Neither group knew which they were getting. The study lasted six weeks.
The results were remarkable. More than three out of four people taking the probiotic saw major improvements in their sleep. That’s seventy-seven percent, compared to just fifty-eight percent in the placebo group.
Here’s what improved:
- Sleep duration increased based on wearable sleep tracker data
- People fell asleep faster and stayed asleep longer throughout the night
- Night sweats decreased significantly
- Anxiety levels dropped, especially in women
The most fascinating discovery? The probiotic increased GABA levels in people’s bodies. GABA is a natural brain chemical that helps you relax and fall asleep. Think of it as your brain’s natural calm-down signal. When GABA levels went up, insomnia and anxiety scores went down.
What This Means for You
Consider This Specific Probiotic
If sleep is your ongoing struggle, look for supplements containing Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Lp815. The effective dose in this study was five billion CFU taken daily.
This isn’t your standard probiotic. Most probiotics focus on digestion. This particular strain works differently. It helps your gut produce more GABA, which then travels to your brain and helps you sleep.
Give It Time
The study showed improvements starting around week two, with the best results at week six. Don’t expect overnight miracles. Your body needs time to build up beneficial bacteria and increase GABA production.
Take it consistently every day. The participants who saw the best results stuck with it for the full six weeks.
Watch for These Benefits
Beyond better sleep, you might notice reduced anxiety, especially if you’re a woman. The study found this probiotic worked particularly well for managing anxious feelings. Some people also reported fewer night sweats.
The good news? All side effects were mild. This appears to be a safe option for most people.
The Bottom Line
A daily probiotic containing Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Lp815 can significantly improve sleep quality by boosting your body’s natural GABA production. If you’ve struggled with traditional sleep aids, this might be worth trying. Just remember to give it at least six weeks to work its magic.
Reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41554764/
