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Gut microbiome diversity is associated with sleep physiology in humans
This 2019 study assessed the relationship between gut microbiome diversity and sleep-related outcomes. Although studies had previously produced conflicting results while examining sleep deprivation and human gut microbiome, there is growing evidence indicating that the gut microbiome may influence sleep quality. Samples of the gut microbiome were taken, while a neurobehavioral assessment was conducted to determine the correlation between the gut microbiome and various measures of sleep physiology. Additionally, sleep measures were quantified through actigraphy, and immune system biomarker levels were checked. The total microbiome diversity was positively associated with sleep efficiency and time but was negatively linked with wake after sleep onset. After analyzing the composition of the gut microbiomes, high abundance of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes was related to better sleep efficiency, higher abstract thinking and concentration of interleukin-6 (cytokine recognized for its effect on sleep). Several taxa such as Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes were inversely associated with sleep measures. This research will hopefully lead to developing methods of improving sleep through manipulation of the gut microbiome. [NPID: gut microbiome, gut microbiota, gut, GI, sleep, sleep quality, poor sleep, sleeping]
Year: 2019
