Can’t Fall Asleep? Wake Up Tired? It Might Be More Than Just Insomnia

Vitaly Nedelskiy
Apr 15
2 min read

Updated: Apr 18

You lie in bed, tired but wired. Your body wants rest, but your mind races — to-do lists, overthinking, small worries that spiral at 1 a.m. And when you do fall asleep, it’s light, interrupted, and leaves you waking up just as exhausted.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone — and there may be biological reasons behind it. Some researchers suggest that the connection between stress and sleep runs deeper than we think — and might involve the gut.

🧠 Why Anxious Nights and Low-Energy Mornings Often Go Hand-in-Hand

When stress accumulates, your nervous system may stay on high alert — even at night. Instead of entering deep, restorative sleep, your body remains in a “ready” state.

One area of growing interest is the gut-brain axis — a communication network between your gut and central nervous system. The microorganisms in your gut are involved in many physiological processes and may play a role in how rested (or restless) you feel.

🌙 Sleep, Stress, and the Microbiome: An Emerging Field

Roughly 90% of serotonin — a precursor to melatonin — is produced in the gut.
Some scientists are exploring how gut imbalance may correlate with fragmented sleep and daytime fatigue.
Gut health might also influence cortisol regulation — the body’s main stress hormone — which in turn can affect rest quality.

This is an evolving area of study, and no health claims are authorized in the EU for these effects.

🦠 What Are Psychobiotics?

The term psychobiotics refers to certain strains of probiotics being studied for their potential to influence mental well-being and stress resilience.

For instance:

Lactobacillus fermentum and
Bifidobacterium infantis

…have been included in research exploring how the gut might interact with stress and sleep-related pathways.

These are not medical treatments and are not approved for therapeutic use. They may be considered as part of broader lifestyle approaches focused on gut health.

🛏️ Is Your Body Caught in the Sleep-Stress Loop?

Difficulty falling asleep due to racing thoughts
Nighttime awakenings
Morning fatigue
Increased reliance on caffeine
Vivid or restless dreams

If these sound familiar, your body may be responding to cumulative stress and environmental factors — not simply poor sleep habits.

✅ Gentle Ways to Support Better Rest

Instead of relying on sleep aids, consider these lifestyle adjustments:

Support your gut with fermented foods or fiber-rich meals
Try warm, complex carbs for dinner: quinoa, oats, or sweet potatoes
Limit screen time 1 hour before bed
Create a calming evening ritual: deep breathing, writing, or herbal tea
Nutrients like magnesium and L-theanine may contribute to relaxation

These suggestions are general and should not replace professional medical advice.

💬 Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. It does not contain or imply any authorized health claims under Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. The ingredients and practices mentioned are under ongoing scientific study. Always consult a healthcare provider if sleep disturbances persist or worsen.