Impact of probiotics on sleep quality and mood states in patients with insomnia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Impact of probiotics on sleep quality and mood states in patients with insomnia

Probiotics are gaining recognition as a possible aid in treating insomnia. This meta-analysis by Liu Y. et al. (2025) assessed the impact of probiotics on both sleep quality and mood among individuals with insomnia. Researchers reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) available up to December 2024 by searching eight public databases. Relevant data were extracted, and studies were evaluated for bias. A total of six studies involving 424 participants were included. Compared to control groups, those receiving probiotics showed a notable improvement in sleep quality, as indicated by reduced Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores, and a significant reduction in depressive symptoms measured by the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD). However, probiotics did not significantly affect total sleep duration, sleep efficiency, or the time it took to fall asleep. The probiotic and control groups saw equal rates of adverse events. While publication bias was not detected for most sleep-related outcomes, some bias was noted in the data for depression scores, sleep time, and adverse events. In summary, probiotic supplementation may enhance sleep quality and reduce depression symptoms in insomnia patients, without increasing side effects. To confirm these encouraging findings, however, further extensive and carefully planned clinical studies are required. [NPID: Insomnia, sleep disorders, probiotics, sleep quality, mood states, systematic review, meta-analysis]

Year: 2025

Reference: Liu, Y., Yu, Y., Lu, S., Tan, K., Jiang, P., Liu, P., & Peng, Q. (2025). Impact of probiotics on sleep quality and mood states in patients with insomnia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Microbiology, 16. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2025.1596990

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