Will This Yogurt Help You Sleep?
What It Is
Lactobacillus reuteri yogurt is a unique yogurt made popular by Dr. William Davis in his book Super Gut. It's made with two strains of "good bacteria" - ATCC PTA 6475 and DSM 17938.
Unlike most store-bought yogurts, this one ferments for 36 hours at a warm temperature (about 100°F / 38°C) and uses a prebiotic fiber like inulin, a plant fiber that feeds good bacteria.
Just half a cup can have over 250 billion healthy bacteria to help your gut.
Why It's Special
Modern diets, stress, and antibiotics have lowered L. reuteri levels in many people. Adding it back may:
- Improve digestion
- Strengthen immunity
- Support healthier skin
- Boost muscle and bone health
- Help you feel calm and connected by increasing oxytocin ("feel-good" hormone)
Main Health Benefits
- Balances gut bacteria and may help with SIBO
- Strengthens the immune system
- Improves skin smoothness and supports collagen
- Helps maintain muscle strength, bone health, and healthy weight
- May lower appetite naturally
- Can increase empathy and feelings of connection
Sleep Benefits
Some people notice:
- Longer, deeper sleep: 8.5 to 9 hours with vivid dreams
- More REM sleep: Up to 18 percent or more improvement
- Fewer wake-ups: Some stop needing melatonin or CBD
Not everyone gets big sleep benefits (less than 20 percent do). Adding Lactobacillus casei Shirota may help, but can make you sleep longer than normal.
Why it might help: L. reuteri may reduce gut toxins that disturb sleep, especially in people with SIBO or fibromyalgia.
How to Make It
- Use L. reuteri starter (capsules or tablets), milk or half-and-half, and prebiotic fiber.
- Ferment for 36 hours at 97–100°F (36–38°C).
- Use yogurt from the last batch as your starter for the next one.
Tips & Cautions
- Some people may get bloating or mild sleep changes at first (due to "die-off" of bad bacteria).
- Start with 2 tablespoons and increase slowly.
- Activated charcoal may help reduce temporary discomfort.
Bottom Line
L. reuteri yogurt is a powerful probiotic food. It might help you sleep better, especially if sleep problems are linked to gut health. Even if sleep doesn't change, the other benefits make it worth trying.