Can Red Yeast Rice Cause Insomnia?

Reviewed and edited by Tod Cooperman, M.D.

Initial Posting: 2/10/2016    Last Update: 8/2/2017

Question:
I started taking red yeast rice and soon after developed insomnia. Could my red yeast rice supplement be the problem?

Answer:
As discussed in the Red Yeast Rice Supplements Review, red yeast rice could potentially cause difficulty sleeping in some people — although this does not appear to be a commonly reported side-effect. See the Cautions and Concerns section of the Red Yeast Rice Supplements Review for more information.

Be aware that if you also take CoQ10 (levels of which may be reduced in people taking red yeast rice or a prescription statin medication), this may also cause insomnia in some people.

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