Why poor sleep causes stomach aches

 Tuesday September 24, 2019

A study by Portuguese researchers explains why poor sleep would increase the risk of stomach upset and obesity.

 

Disturbed immune cells that cause inflammation in the stomach

According to a study by Portuguese researchers published on September 18 in the journal Nature, poor sleep can cause stomach upset. Henrique Veiga-Fernandes, one of the authors of the study, explains the scientists' approach: " We wondered if the immune cells in the gut were influenced by the circadian clock in the brain »We read on the Health magazine website.

However, it turns out that among the immune cells present in the intestine, a category (ILC3) is sensitive to chronobiological disturbances and reacts by causing significant inflammation. Henrique Veiga-Fernandes explains the role of the ILC3: “ These cells perform important functions in the intestine: they fight infections, control the integrity of the intestinal epithelium and promote the absorption of lipids. ".

 

Night workers more prone to bowel problems

Consequence of disturbed sleep: a higher risk of intestinal inflammation than usual as well as a risk of obesity. A reality to take into account, especially for people who work at night.

This study is in addition to a series of discoveries already made by Henrique Veiga-Fernandes and his team. They notably succeeded in establishing new links between the immune system and the nervous system. The human body has definitely not finished revealing its secrets.

 Perrine Deurot-Bien

Read also: How to sleep better?