Health Is Wealth
Posts
Poor intestinal health: sleep involved

Poor intestinal health: sleep involved

October 31, 2019

A recent study has shown that better quality of sleep has an impact on the diversity of the microbiome.

The effects of quality sleep on the gut

Poor quality of sleep would have a negative impact on intestinal health. This was demonstrated by a new study by researchers from the Nova Southeaster University (NSU). For this research, scientists were investigating whether the quality of sleep could interfere with the health of the microbiome. The microbiome designates all the living organisms that our body shelters, such as bacteria, yeasts but also viruses. For several years, researchers have been interested in the diversity of this microbiome and their link with certain diseases.

For this study, they asked 26 participants to wear a tracking bracelet (Actiwatch). The device makes it possible to measure the quality of sleep as well as its duration. In particular, it measures bedtime, waking time and the number of nighttime awakenings. At the same time, the scientists analyzed the intestinal flora of the participants.

A healthier microbiome

The results of this research showed that better quality of sleep had a positive effect on the microbiome, which was more diverse and healthier. Better quality of sleep translates into a longer time spent asleep as well as a greater total sleep time.

Study author Jaime L. Tartar said: " AT from previous research, we believe that poor quality of sleep probably has a strong negative effect on the diversity of intestinal health / microbiome " as reported The Dispatch. Conversely, scientists have noticed that the lack of diversity in the microbiome has been associated with diseases such as Parkinson's but also with autoimmune diseases, depression and anxiety. The authors of the study recommend increasing the good bacteria in the intestinal flora by consuming foods rich in probiotics and prebiotics such as yogurts, kefir or sauerkraut.

Stéphanie Haerts