Feed your microbes to supercharge restorative sleep

The gut isn’t just about digestion—it’s your second brain. It harbors trillions of microbes communicating with your nervous system through the vagus nerve. Nearly 95 percent of your body’s serotonin—the precursor to sleep-enabling melatonin—is made in the gut.

Research shows that poor sleep and circadian misalignment throw gut flora out of balance, leading to bloating, reflux and inflammation. That very inflammation can further fragment your REM cycles—your key to memory, hormone regulation and cellular cleanup.

But there’s a two-way street: feeding beneficial bacteria through fermented foods and fiber-rich veggies boosts serotonin levels, strengthens your immune system, and supports stable blood sugar at night. By intentionally seeding your gut each day you’re rewiring neural pathways that calm your restless nights and refresh your mind and body come morning.

Tonight, stir probiotic sauerkraut into your dinner and aim for two cups of mixed vegetables before bedtime. Finish eating at least two hours before lights-out so your gut can do its work. Over time, you’ll stabilize your sleep patterns as you cultivate a healthy sleep-supportive microbiome. Give it a try tonight.