diff --git a/contrib/systemd/matrix-synapse.service b/contrib/systemd/matrix-synapse.service
index 595b69916c..38d369ea3d 100644
--- a/contrib/systemd/matrix-synapse.service
+++ b/contrib/systemd/matrix-synapse.service
@@ -14,7 +14,9 @@
 Description=Synapse Matrix homeserver
 
 [Service]
-Type=simple
+Type=notify
+NotifyAccess=main
+ExecReload=/bin/kill -HUP $MAINPID
 Restart=on-abort
 
 User=synapse