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Probiotic supplementation (Cerebiome) improves depressive symptoms but not insomnia symptoms in adults with mild-to-moderate insomnia and work-related stress

In a 12-week randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial, adults with mild-to-moderate insomnia and work-related stress received either Cerebiome probiotic or placebo. Both groups showed significant reductions in insomnia severity, but there was no significant between-group difference. The probiotic group showed a significant improvement in depressive symptoms (PHQ-9) compared to placebo.

Last updated: Aug 25, 2026•1 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score53/100
Human RCT★★☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Effects of probiotic supplementation on sleep and psychological outcomes in adults with mild-to-moderate insomnia symptoms and work-related stress: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial.

observational

Binda S, Auclair-Ouellet N, Kassem O, Ivers H, Milev R, Lamy M, Chen S, Oula ML, Morin CM · Sleep medicine (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 12 weeks
Intervention: Cerebiome probiotic supplement daily for 12 weeks
Outcome: Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), PHQ-9 depressive symptoms, sleep quality, psychological symptoms, work activity, quality of life
Effect Size: d=0.51 for PHQ-9 between-group difference; d=0.08 for ISI between-group difference
Population: Adults aged 18-65 with mild-to-moderate insomnia symptoms and work-related stress, without mental disorder or severe psychosocial distress

Result:

PubMed: 42628338DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2026.109223

Mechanism Graph

Probiotic supplementation modulates gut microbiota
↓
Gut-brain axis influences mood regulation
↓
Improved depressive symptoms observed
↓
No effect on insomnia symptoms

Limitations

  • ⚠Small sample size (n=70)
  • ⚠No significant effect on primary outcome (insomnia severity)
  • ⚠Potential placebo effect in both groups
  • ⚠Short duration (12 weeks)

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Cerebiome probiotic improve insomnia?▼

No, the study found no significant difference between probiotic and placebo groups in reducing insomnia severity.

What is Cerebiome probiotic?▼

Cerebiome is a probiotic supplement tested in this trial for its effects on sleep and mood.

Who was eligible for this study?▼

Adults aged 18-65 with mild-to-moderate insomnia symptoms and work-related stress, without mental disorders or severe psychosocial distress.

What were the main outcomes?▼

The primary outcome was change in Insomnia Severity Index score; secondary outcomes included depressive symptoms, sleep quality, and quality of life.

Products

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References

  1. 1.Binda S, Auclair-Ouellet N, Kassem O, Ivers H, Milev R, Lamy M, Chen S, Oula ML, Morin CM. "Effects of probiotic supplementation on sleep and psychological outcomes in adults with mild-to-moderate insomnia symptoms and work-related stress: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial.." Sleep medicine, 2026. PMID: 42628338 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2026.109223
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.