Microorganisms residing in your gut might be contributing to your insomnia, according to new research conducted in China. Conversely, your sleep patterns can also impact your gut health.

While earlier studies have hinted at a connection between sleep habits and gut health, a recent analysis featured in the journal General Psychiatry suggests that this relationship may indeed be causal. This implies that sleep can influence your gut directly, and vice versa.

Dr. Ph.D., who leads the research at an affiliated brain hospital of Nanjing Medical University in China, told BBC Science Focus that this study could “reshape our understanding of insomnia and spark interest in microbiome-based interventions.”

In the future, treatment for insomnia could involve gut-focused solutions such as probiotics (found in yogurt or sauerkraut), prebiotics (fiber sources), or even fecal transplants.

“Moreover, gut microbiomes may act as biomarkers, tracking the effectiveness of these treatments and enabling personalized care,” Shangyun noted.

Researchers employed a statistical approach known as Mendelian randomization (using genetic data to determine causal relationships) to explore the connection between insomnia and the gut microbiota.

They identified specific genes connected to insomnia and assessed whether individuals with these genes were more likely to harbor certain gut microorganisms.

The researchers also reversed the inquiry, examining whether specific gut microorganisms could affect the likelihood of developing insomnia.

For their analysis, scientists used data from 387,000 individuals with insomnia alongside gut microbiome data from 26,500 individuals, all sourced from European populations. Thus, these findings may not apply universally.

The analysis suggested that 41 types of gut bacteria may contribute to insomnia, at least in part.

However, Shangyun indicated that certain microorganisms hold more significance than others. Notably, they identified 14 groups associated with a higher likelihood of insomnia, while others were linked to a lower chance.

In contrast, the research found that insomnia is associated with a decrease of 43-79% in a specific group of seven bacterial types.

Furthermore, insomnia correlated with a 65% increased likelihood of 12 bacterial groups being four times more prevalent in the intestines.

A particular class of bacteria, known as Odlibacter, was found to be closely tied to insomnia risk. This type of gut bacteria is often linked to improved gut health.

Overall, this study highlights a vicious cycle: certain gut bacteria may lead to insomnia, while a lack of sleep can alter gut microbiota.

Shangyun emphasized the need for further research before healthcare providers can recommend gut health strategies to enhance sleep quality.

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About our experts

Dr. Shi Shangyun is a scientist at the Faculty of Psychiatry, affiliated with the brain hospital at Nanjing Medical University in Jiangsu Province, China.