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The microbes living in your gut do much more than assist with food digestion. In recent years, scientists have found that these bacteria play a crucial role in a variety of bodily functions, including mood regulation, mental health, obesity, and digestive diseases. New research also suggests that the trillions of microbes in your gut could influence your sleep patterns, according to The Guardian.
While research into the connection between sleep and gut bacteria is still in its early stages, experts already know that sleep deprivation impacts the body in ways beyond just causing tiredness. It may increase the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. However, recent studies indicate that digestive health itself could be a factor influencing sleep. As psychologist Michael Breus told The Guardian, "There is no question in my mind that gut health is linked to sleep health, although we do not have the studies to prove it yet."
A study published in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience found that rats on a prebiotic diet (composed of fiber that supports gut bacteria) enjoyed better-quality sleep compared to those on a standard diet. This improved sleep was linked to higher levels of the gut bacteria Lactobacillus rhamnosus, a well-known probiotic strain. The rats also spent more time in REM sleep, even when stressed, which is often associated with insomnia.
Researchers aiming to show how the microbiome impacts sleep will likely need to separate it from the many other ways the microbiome influences our overall health, both physical and mental. Imbalances in gut bacteria could contribute to depression, which in turn disrupts sleep. Other studies have suggested that it’s poor sleep that affects the microbiome, rather than the reverse. Given the significant role the microbiome plays in our health, it stands to reason that there could be connections between major health problems like insomnia and our gut bacteria. However, understanding the exact nature of these connections will require much more in-depth research.
