Exploring Sleepiness After Taking Probiotics: Causes and Considerations
A user inquires about feeling intensely sleepy after using probiotics, which help with IBS-C. An assistant explains possible reasons such as the gut-brain axis, histamine production, and individual responses, while advising consultation with a healthcare provider for tailored advice.
Why do I feel intensely sleepy after taking probiotics?
About 20 minutes after I take a "normal" daily probiotic which helps me very much with my IBS-C, I feel like I've taken a sedative. I get so tired I can barely keep my eyes open. This lasts for maybe an hour - usually I just take a nap. This isn't particularly bothersome to me in and of itself as it goes away and once it's over I feel normal, but I'm wondering if this is a sign I shouldn't keep taking it. I really don't want to give it up since it's so helpful, but I also don't understand why this happens or if it's bad. Anyone have any helpful info?
Feeling sleepy after taking probiotics is not a commonly reported side effect in the literature, but it might occur due to individual differences in how your body responds to probiotics. Here are a few possible explanations:
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Gut-Brain Axis: Probiotics can influence the gut-brain axis, which is the biochemical signaling taking place between the gastrointestinal tract and the nervous system. In some individuals, changes in gut flora can impact neurotransmitter activity, potentially leading to feelings of drowsiness1.
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Histamine Production: Some probiotic strains can produce histamine in the digestive tract. Histamine can influence sleep-wake cycles and might contribute to altered sensations of sleepiness or wakefulness. However, histamine typically causes alertness rather than sleepiness1.
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Strain-Specific Effects: The specific strains of probiotics you are taking might have unique effects. While most clinical evidence shows that probiotics do not significantly impact anxiety or depression, they can have subtle effects on mood and relaxation1.
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Individual Response: Your body's unique reaction to the probiotics could involve temporary changes in metabolism or neurotransmitter levels, leading to drowsiness. This reaction doesn't necessarily indicate harm, but it's advisable to monitor how you feel and discuss the reaction with a healthcare provider.
Unless you are experiencing severe side effects or discomfort, the sleepiness might not be harmful. However, consulting with a healthcare provider can offer more tailored advice and ensure that the probiotics are safe for you in the long term.
Footnotes
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Ermis Merkouris, "Probiotics’ Effects in the Treatment of Anxiety and Depression: A Comprehensive Review of 2014–2023 Clinical Trials," NCBI, 2024. ↩ ↩2 ↩3
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