Last Updated on October 9, 2022 by theworldofsleepstaff
Many health discoveries about the gut microbiome and its connection to the rest of the body have been made in recent years. For example, we now know that probiotics are live bacteria that are good for your health, especially your digestive system.
They can be found in yogurt, other fermented foods, and supplements. Probiotics are often called “good” or “helpful” bacteria because they help keep your gut microbiome healthy.
The idea of taking probiotics before bed may sound strange, but you can certainly take probiotics before bed and there are some excellent reasons to do so.
Right here we will explain the benefits of taking probiotics before bed and tips on how to make it part of your nightly routine.
Probiotics are generally considered safe, but as with any supplement, it’s always best to speak with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Should You Take A Probiotic At Night?
There’s no wrong time to take a probiotic supplement. Probiotics are generally considered safe, and there’s no evidence that they’re more effective at any particular time of day. However, if you’re taking a probiotic for a specific health condition, it’s important to follow the directions on the product label.
Some probiotics need to be refrigerated, so taking them at night may be more convenient. And taking a probiotic before bed may help reduce morning sickness or nausea associated with some medications.
How Long Before Bed Should I Take Probiotics?
There’s no general rule about how long before bed you should take probiotics. However, taking them at least an hour before a meal is recommended. This gives the probiotics time to reach your gut and start working.
Some probiotic supplements need to be taken on an empty stomach, so read the instructions on the label. In those cases, taking them before bed may be a decent idea.
Probiotics Before Bed: Eight Incredible Benefits
1. May Help Improve Sleep
Probiotics can help improve sleep by reducing inflammation and promoting a healthy gut microbiome. Probiotics may also help increase serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in sleep regulation.
That’s based on a study which was explicitly based on patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), which can cause sleep problems. However, the findings may also apply to healthy adults.
If you’re having trouble sleeping, taking probiotics before bed may help you get a better night’s rest. Make sure to choose a high-quality probiotic supplement and take it at least 30 minutes before bedtime.
2. May Help Improve Digestion
Probiotics can help improve digestion by restoring the balance of good bacteria in your gut. This is especially important if you’ve taken antibiotics, which can kill both good and bad bacteria in your gut. Probiotics can also help relieve digestive symptoms such as bloating, gas, and diarrhoea.
While it may seem counterintuitive to take probiotics before bed, doing so can help your digestive system by giving the good bacteria time to colonize your gut overnight.
3. May Help Boost Immunity
The gut microbiome is closely connected to the immune system. Probiotics can help modulate the immune system and reduce inflammation. This may help protect against infections and chronic diseases such as allergies, asthma, and cancer.
In dealing with immunity issues, it’s important to remember that probiotics are live bacteria. This means that they need time to colonize your gut and establish themselves before they can start having an effect. Therefore, it may be best to take probiotics before bed, so they have all night to work their magic.
4. May Help Promote Weight Loss
Probiotics can help promote weight loss by reducing appetite and promoting a healthy gut microbiome.
Probiotics may also help reduce the number of calories you absorb from food. This means that you may end up eating less without even realizing it.
In support of the above, weight loss and probiotics have been linked in several studies. For example, in one study, probiotics are thought to hold a significant promise in helping people lose weight and keep it off.
5. May Help Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Probiotics can help reduce stress and anxiety by modulating the brain-gut axis. This is the communication pathway between the brain and the gut. Probiotics may also help increase serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood regulation.
A few studies have found that probiotics may help reduce stress and anxiety. For example, in one study, participants who took a probiotic supplement for days had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
6. May Help IBS
If you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), taking probiotics before bed may help to ease your symptoms.
With digestive disorders like IBS, the gut is often in a state of inflammation. This can lead to symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea, and constipation.
Probiotics may help to reduce inflammation in the gut and ease IBS symptoms.
Eating foods containing probiotics or a probiotic supplement may help improve your symptoms. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects.
7. It May Help Cholesterol Levels Which Can Interfere With Sleep
Cholesterol is fat that can accumulate in the arteries and lead to heart disease. High cholesterol levels can also interfere with sleep by causing restless nights.
Research has shown that probiotics may help to lower cholesterol levels. This effect is most likely due to the ability of probiotics to reduce inflammation in the body.
Because heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States, anything that can help to lower cholesterol levels is worth considering.
8. It May Help With Allergies During The Night
Allergies are a common problem that can make sleeping difficult at night. In addition, they can cause congestion, sneezing, and itchiness, which can all keep you up.
It is common knowledge that a poor gut microbiome is linked to allergies. Probiotics can help to improve the balance of gut bacteria and reduce the severity of allergies.
Probiotics may help to reduce the symptoms of allergies by reducing inflammation in the body. This effect is most likely due to the ability of probiotics to reduce inflammation in the gut.
What Are The Best Probiotics For Sleep?
Lactobacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus plantarum is a probiotic that’s been shown to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. It may also help reduce symptoms of depression.
Bifidobacterium longum
Bifidobacterium longum is a probiotic that’s been shown to improve sleep quality and reduce stress levels.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii
This probiotic comes from the Latin word for yeast, the most researched probiotic yeast strain. S. boulardii prevents and treats diarrhoea and other digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
It’s thought to work by restoring the balance of good bacteria in the gut and inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria.
S. boulardii is generally considered safe, but there have been a few reports of it causing bloating and abdominal pain. If you experience any side effects, discontinue use and consult your healthcare provider.
How To Choose A Probiotic Before Bed Supplement
Check the number of colony-forming units (CFUs):
The CFU measures how many live bacteria are in a probiotic supplement. Look for a product that contains at least 1 billion CFUs.
Make sure the probiotic is from a reputable source:
Probiotics are live microorganisms, so it’s essential to ensure they come from a reputable source. In addition, the manufacturing process can affect the quality of the probiotic, so look for a product made in an FDA-registered facility.
Choose a supplement that’s right for your needs:
There are many probiotic supplements, so choose one that’s right for your needs. If you’re taking a probiotic for a specific health condition, read the label carefully to ensure you’re taking the right product.
Tips for Taking Probiotics Before Bed
If you’re interested in taking probiotics before bed, you should keep a few things in mind.
First, choosing a probiotic supplement containing live, active cultures is important. This means the probiotics are still alive when you take them and are more likely to survive the journey to your intestine.
It’s also essential to choose a probiotic supplement that contains multiple strains of bacteria. This is because different strains can offer different benefits. In addition, be sure to choose a probiotic supplement that’s been third-party tested to ensure that it contains the number of live cultures listed on the label.
Another thing to remember is that probiotics may not be suitable for everyone. If you have a weakened immune system or a chronic illness, you should speak to your doctor before taking probiotics. This is because there’s a risk that the live bacteria in probiotics could make you sick.
It is also important to start with a lower dose of probiotics and gradually increase the amount you take. Some people may experience side effects, such as gas or bloating, when they first start taking probiotics. However, these side effects are usually mild and temporary.
Finally, remember that it takes time for probiotics to colonize the gut. This means you may not see the full benefits of taking probiotics before bed at first. However, if you stick with it, you may find that taking probiotics before bed helps improve your overall health in the long run.
FAQs
When Should I Take Probiotics For Sleep?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The best time to take probiotics will depend on your specific probiotic supplement and your individual sleep needs.
If you have trouble sleeping, taking a probiotic before bed may help. Probiotics can also be taken in the morning, but it’s generally recommended that you take them at least an hour before a meal.
How Many Probiotics Should I Take For Sleep?
There’s no general rule for how many probiotics you should take for sleep. However, it is recommended to start with a lower dose and increase it gradually as needed.
If you’re taking a probiotic supplement for the first time, starting with a lower dose and increasing it gradually as needed is a good idea. Probiotic supplements are available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, powders, and liquids.
Can Probiotics Make Sleep Apnea Worse?
There’s no evidence to suggest that probiotics can make sleep apnea worse. However, you must speak to your doctor before taking probiotics if you have sleep apnea. This is because some probiotic supplements may contain live bacteria that could make you sick.
How Long Does It Take For Probiotics To Work?
If you’ve wondered how long it takes for probiotics to work, you’re not alone. Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health, especially your digestive system. For example, they can help with diarrhoea and make sure your intestines work correctly.
Most people start to feel the benefits of probiotics within a few days. However, it may take a couple of weeks for you to notice more significant changes. If you’re taking probiotics for the first time, be patient and give them time to work.
In general, probiotics are safe for most people. However, you may be at risk for infections if you have a weakened immune system. If pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking probiotics.
The Bottom Line
Probiotics are live microorganisms that can provide health benefits when consumed. They’re generally considered safe, and there’s no evidence that they’re more effective at any particular time. However, if you’re taking a probiotic for a specific health condition, it’s important to follow the directions on the product label.
Some probiotics need to be refrigerated, so taking them at night may be more convenient. And taking a probiotic before bedtime may help reduce morning sickness or nausea associated with some medications.
If you’re considering taking a probiotic supplement, choose a product from a reputable source with at least 1 billion CFUs. Probiotics are generally safe, but as with any supplement, it’s always best to speak with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.