Researchers exploring the root of sleeplessness have found new insights
A recent study published in the journal General Psychiatry has uncovered a potential link between gut microbes and insomnia, suggesting that manipulating the gut microbiome could be a novel strategy to improve sleep [1][2][3][5].
The study, led by Dr Shi Shangyun from the Department of Psychiatry at The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, involved over 387,000 individuals with insomnia and 26,500 people with gut microbiome data [6]. Using Mendelian randomisation analysis, the researchers investigated the link between insomnia and the gut microbiome.
The findings revealed that certain gut bacteria increase or decrease insomnia risk by influencing inflammation, neurotransmitters, and circadian rhythms, all of which play crucial roles in sleep quality [4]. For instance, bacteria in the Odoribacter class, generally associated with better gut health, were particularly closely associated with insomnia risk [4].
Interestingly, insomnia itself can alter the abundance of certain gut bacteria, creating a feedback loop [1][3][5]. This reciprocal relationship means that sleep habits could impact gut health and vice versa.
Regarding treatment, targeting the gut microbiome through probiotics, prebiotics, or fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a promising avenue. These interventions aim to improve gut bacterial balance to promote better sleep. However, lasting benefits likely require combining such treatments with dietary and lifestyle changes that support gut health [3][4].
The study's analysis suggested that 41 types of gut bacteria were likely to cause insomnia, at least partially. On the other hand, eight groups of bacteria were found to have lower odds of insomnia [3]. The gut microbiome may serve as a biomarker to track how well these treatments work, enabling more personalized care.
However, it's important to note that the data used in this study was from Europeans, which means these results may not be relevant for everyone. Further studies are needed before doctors can prescribe gut health strategies to help their patients sleep better.
In conclusion, this emerging research suggests that manipulating the gut microbiome could be a novel strategy to improve sleep. The study's first author, Dr Shi Shangyun, stated that the research could reshape understanding of insomnia and inspire interest in microbiome-based research and interventions. While the study did not provide specific exercises to overcome insomnia, it opens up exciting possibilities for future treatment options.
References:
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-022-02195-0
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468024922003811
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-98211-3
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34977606
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-02364-w
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-02404-x
- This research on the potential link between gut microbes and insomnia, published in General Psychiatry, might foster new scientific explorations in the field of health-and-wellness, suggesting that manipulating the gut microbiome could contribute to future strategies for improving sleep quality.
- The study's findings indicate that certain gut bacteria, such as those in the Odoribacter class associated with better gut health, can influence insomnia risk by regulating inflammation, neurotransmitters, and circadian rhythms, which are key factors affecting mental health and sleep.
- Given that the study's findings suggest a reciprocal relationship between sleep habits and gut health, nature_and_environment conservation efforts promoting healthy lifestyles and balanced diets could have a positive impact on an individual's mental health and sleep patterns.
- Therapies and treatments targeting the gut microbiome, such as probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation, hold promise for improving sleep as they aim to restore balance in the gut bacterial population, thereby influencing sleep quality and mental health.
- Future science-based research on the gut microbiome and sleep is vital to better understand this emerging link and develop more personalized health-and-wellness therapies and treatments for improving sleep, mental health, and overall well-being.
