Named non-obvious cause of insomnia

A somnologist from the University College London Hospital, Sarah McNeilis, stated that sleep disorders might be directly linked to the composition of the gut microbiome. The expert's words were reported by the Daily Mail.

According to the specialist, recent research data indicate a bidirectional relationship between the gut and sleep quality. On one hand, changes in the microbiome can contribute to the development of insomnia, and on the other hand, chronic sleep deprivation itself can alter the bacterial composition of the gut.

McNeilis cited a large study by Chinese scientists involving about 387,000 people. It showed that people with pronounced sleep disorders had reduced amounts of seven groups of gut bacteria. Particularly noticeable was the decrease in the proportion of beneficial microorganisms, including some strains of lactobacilli.

These bacteria, the doctor explained, can positively affect sleep because they produce short-chain fatty acids when breaking down dietary fiber - substances involved in regulating signal exchange between the gut and brain. At the same time, sleep deprivation, according to her, creates conditions for the growth of "harmful" bacteria, which can further exacerbate sleep problems.

The expert emphasized that these data indicate the importance of considering gut health and nutrition in treating insomnia, along with the usual recommendations for sleep regimen.