Researchers reconsidering the roots of sleeplessness: an explanation
A groundbreaking study led by Dr. Shi Shangyun, a scientist in the Department of Psychiatry at the Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, suggests that 41 types of gut bacteria may contribute to insomnia[1]. The research, published in the journal General Psychiatry, used Mendelian randomisation analysis to investigate the link between insomnia and the gut microbiome, revealing a complex, bidirectional relationship between gut microbes and sleep disturbances.
The study found that specific gut bacteria might cause insomnia, while insomnia could also alter the gut microbiome composition. While the detailed list of all 41 bacteria was not provided, the research highlighted 14 bacterial groups positively associated with increased insomnia risk, and 8 groups negatively associated with insomnia[2].
The class of bacteria called Odoribacter was particularly closely associated with insomnia risk. On the other hand, insomnia was associated with a reduction (of between 43-79 per cent) of 7 groups of bacteria, generally considered beneficial for gut health.
Dr. Shi Shangyun and his team suggested that these findings could pave the way for novel insomnia treatments targeting the gut microbiome, such as probiotics, prebiotics, or faecal transplants. They also proposed that the gut microbiome could serve as a biomarker for treatment efficacy, enabling more personalized care.
However, it's important to note that this study was conducted using data from Europeans, so the results may not be universally applicable. Further research is needed before doctors can prescribe gut health strategies to help their patients sleep better.
The study also uncovered a vicious cycle where a variety of gut bacteria might be causing insomnia, but poor sleep might also contribute towards a different gut microbiome. The link between sleep habits and gut health might be causal, according to the analysis.
This research could reshape our understanding of insomnia and inspire interest in microbiome-based research and interventions. As Dr. Shi Shangyun stated, the study could open up new avenues for exploring the gut-brain axis and its role in sleep disorders[1].
[1] Shi, S., et al. (2022). Gut microbiota and insomnia: A Mendelian randomization study. General Psychiatry. [2] Xinhuanet. (2022). New study suggests gut microbes could cause insomnia. Retrieved from https://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2022-03/14/c_136082133.htm
- The groundbreaking study conducted by Dr. Shi Shangyun reveals that 41 types of gut bacteria may contribute to insomnia, highlighting the complex link between sleep and the gut microbiome.
- The research published in the journal General Psychiatry identified 14 bacterial groups positively associated with increased insomnia risk and 8 groups negatively associated with insomnia.
- The class of bacteria called Odoribacter was found to be particularly closely associated with insomnia risk, while insomnia was associated with a reduction in 7 groups of bacteria that are generally beneficial for gut health.
- This study shows potential for novel insomnia treatments targeting the gut microbiome, such as probiotics, prebiotics, or faecal transplants, and suggests that the gut microbiome could serve as a biomarker for treatment efficacy.
- As the study was conducted using data from Europeans, the results may not be universally applicable, and further research is needed before gut health strategies can be prescribed to help patients sleep better.
- This research inspires interest in microbiome-based research and interventions, reshaping our understanding of insomnia, and opening new avenues for exploring the gut-brain axis and its role in sleep disorders.
