Understanding the Paradox: Why does AG1 make me sleepy?

October 3, 2025 •

4 min read

While many green powders are marketed for their energizing effects, some users report the opposite experience, feeling fatigued after their daily dose. For those asking, 'Why does AG1 make me sleepy?', the answer can often be found by examining its complex blend of ingredients, including potent adaptogens, high mineral concentrations, and active probiotics.

Quick Summary

Some individuals feel fatigued after taking AG1 due to adaptogenic herbs, high magnesium content, or initial digestive adjustments to new probiotics and nutrient concentrations, requiring a closer look at the formula's effects.

Key Points

Adaptogens Cause Calm: Ingredients like ashwagandha and rhodiola help manage stress, which can lead to a relaxing or sedating effect.
Magnesium's Role: High doses of magnesium, a mineral known for promoting relaxation, might induce sleepiness in sensitive individuals.
Digestive Adjustment: The introduction of new probiotics and prebiotic fiber can cause initial gastrointestinal discomfort, diverting energy and causing fatigue.
Proprietary Blend Issues: The undisclosed amounts of ingredients in AG1's proprietary blends make it difficult to identify the exact cause of sleepiness.
Start Low and Go Slow: Starting with a smaller dose allows your body to adjust gradually, potentially reducing side effects like fatigue.
Individual Variability: Not everyone will experience the same effects from AG1, and individual body chemistry plays a significant role in how the supplement is perceived.

The Intricate Blend: Understanding AG1's Ingredients

AG1, a daily nutritional supplement, is praised for its comprehensive formula of over 75 vitamins, minerals, and whole-food sourced ingredients. The product combines a multivitamin, probiotics, a greens blend, and adaptogens into a single scoop. While this is designed to support overall health, the sheer volume and potency of ingredients can elicit an unexpected response in some individuals. A significant challenge for consumers is that many of the ingredient quantities are part of proprietary blends, making it difficult to determine effective doses or pinpoint which specific compound might be causing a particular side effect.

Adaptogens and Their Calming Effect

AG1 contains a blend of adaptogenic herbs, including ashwagandha and rhodiola. Adaptogens are known for helping the body manage and adapt to physical and mental stress. While this is beneficial for long-term resilience, for some people, the stress-reducing effect can be perceived as a calming or sedating sensation, leading to drowsiness.

Ashwagandha: This ancient medicinal herb is well-known for its ability to reduce cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone. Lowered cortisol levels can promote relaxation and reduce the feeling of being 'wired' or stressed, which might be interpreted as sleepiness, particularly during the day.
Rhodiola: Another adaptogen included in AG1, rhodiola supports stress recovery. By helping the body return to a more balanced state after stress, it can lead to a noticeable drop in perceived energy, especially if the user is accustomed to a higher stress-driven energy level.

The Role of Magnesium and Nutrient Load

Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in regulating hundreds of biochemical reactions in the body. It is included in AG1 to support energy metabolism, among other functions. However, magnesium is also known for its calming properties and its ability to promote relaxation and sleep. For some individuals, a concentrated dose of magnesium from the supplement could trigger this relaxing effect more strongly. Furthermore, the sheer volume of nutrients and other compounds in AG1—often taken on an empty stomach—might be a lot for the body to process at once. This complex metabolic demand could divert energy from other functions, resulting in a feeling of fatigue.

Digestive System Adjustment: Probiotics and Fiber

AG1 contains a high dose of prebiotics and probiotics (including Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum) designed to support gut health. While beneficial over time, introducing a significant amount of new bacteria and fiber can cause a temporary disruption in the gut.

Bloating and Upset Stomach: For some people, especially those with sensitive digestive systems, the initial adjustment to new probiotics and the prebiotic fiber (inulin) can cause gas, bloating, and general stomach discomfort. This kind of digestive distress can consume energy and contribute to an overall feeling of lethargy.
Body's Adjustment Period: A period of adaptation is normal when starting a new supplement with active ingredients like probiotics. As the body adjusts its gut microbiome, minor side effects like fatigue can occur before the intended benefits are felt.

Comparison of AG1's Claimed Energy vs. Potential Fatigue


Aspect	AG1's Claim	Potential Reason for Fatigue
Energy Metabolism	Rich in B vitamins to support energy production.	The body's processing of a large nutrient load can temporarily divert energy.
Stress Recovery	Adaptogens like rhodiola promote resilience against stress.	For some, stress reduction can be perceived as a calming or sedating effect.
Nervous System	Contains magnesium to support nervous system function.	High magnesium intake, especially certain forms, can have relaxing properties that promote sleepiness.
Digestion	Probiotics and prebiotics support a healthy gut.	The initial introduction of new probiotics and fiber can cause temporary bloating and discomfort, draining energy.

How to Mitigate Sleepiness from AG1

If you experience sleepiness from AG1, there are a few strategies you can try to help your body adjust or minimize the effect.

Adjust Your Timing: Instead of taking AG1 in the morning, consider taking it in the evening. This allows you to leverage its potential calming properties for better sleep rather than fighting them during the day. As your body adjusts over several weeks, you may find that you can move it back to your morning routine.
Start with a Smaller Dose: Some users report that starting with a half scoop for the first week or two helps their body acclimate to the new ingredients and probiotic strains. This gradual introduction can reduce the initial shock to your system.
Take with Food: Drinking AG1 with a meal instead of on an empty stomach can slow down the absorption of certain ingredients. This might help prevent a sudden influx of nutrients and a potential crash, allowing your body to process the supplement more steadily.
Consult a Professional: As with any dietary supplement, individual reactions can vary significantly. It is always best to consult with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian before starting a new supplement regimen, especially if you take other medications or have pre-existing health conditions. They can help determine if the supplement is right for you and suggest a personalized approach. For more insight into AG1's ingredients and side effects, you can also explore reviews and expert analysis like those found on Healthline.

Conclusion

For those wondering why does AG1 make me sleepy, the answer is not straightforward but involves the interplay of several factors within the formula. The presence of adaptogens aimed at stress reduction, the calming effects of minerals like magnesium, and the initial digestive system adjustment to probiotics and fiber are all potential contributors. While AG1 is designed to be energizing for many, individual body chemistry and sensitivity can lead to a different outcome. By understanding these potential causes and adjusting your routine, you can better manage your body's response and still reap the foundational nutrition benefits of the supplement.

Frequently Asked Questions

AG1 contains adaptogens like ashwagandha and rhodiola, which are known to help the body manage stress and promote a calming effect, and magnesium, which supports relaxation. For some, this can be perceived as sleepiness rather than an energy boost.

Yes, introducing the probiotics and prebiotic fiber in AG1 can cause initial bloating, gas, and stomach upset as your gut adjusts. This adjustment period can divert energy and lead to a feeling of fatigue.

If you experience sleepiness, you might consider taking AG1 in the evening instead of the morning. AG1 recommends taking it in the morning on an empty stomach for optimal absorption, but shifting your intake can help you align the calming effects with your body's natural sleep cycle.

The adjustment period for AG1 varies by individual. Some users feel effects within days, while for others, it can take a few weeks or months. Starting with a half scoop can help ease your body into the new supplement.

No, AG1 uses proprietary blends for many of its ingredients. This means the exact quantity of each specific ingredient is not disclosed, which makes it hard to pinpoint which components might be causing specific side effects like fatigue.

AG1 contains magnesium, which is a mineral that supports various bodily functions, including energy production. However, magnesium also has relaxing properties and can promote sleepiness, especially in higher doses or for sensitive individuals.

It's best to consult a healthcare professional before stopping or starting any supplement. You can also try mitigating the effects by adjusting the timing or dosage, as your body may just need time to adapt.