Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 4, 2025

An In Vitro Batch-culture Model to Estimate the Effects of Interventional Regimens on Human Fecal Microbiota
Published on: July 31, 2019
Effect of gut microbiota modulation on sleep: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials
Esther Gil-Hernández1, Cristofer Ruiz-González1, Miguel Rodriguez-Arrastia2
1Hospital Universitario Torrecárdenas, Andalucia, Almeria, Spain.
Context:
A bidirectional relationship between gut microbiota (GM) and circadian rhythms has been proposed.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy of probiotic or prebiotic intervention on sleep quality and quantity.
Data Sources:
A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using the databases PubMed (MEDLINE), Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science. Only randomized clinical trials written in English or Spanish were considered.
Data Extraction:
The initial search resulted in 219 articles. Following the removal of duplicates and consideration of the selection criteria, 25 articles were selected for the systematic review and 18 articles for the meta-analysis.
Data Analysis:
Microbiota modulation was not demonstrated to be associated with significant improvement in sleep quality in the present meta-analysis (P = 0.31). In terms of sleep duration, the meta-analysis found no improvement due to GM modulation (P = 0.43).
Conclusion:
The results of this meta-analysis indicate that there is still insufficient evidence to support the relationship between GM modulation and improved sleep quality. While several studies assume that including probiotics in the diet will undoubtedly improve sleep quality, more research is needed to fully understand this phenomenon.
Systematic Review Registration:
PROSPERO registration no. CRD42021245118.
Related Concept Videos
Understanding Sleep
The circadian rhythm, a nearly 24-hour cycle, is deeply influenced by environmental light cues. Light exposure directly affects the hypothalamus, which in turn regulates...
Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Miscellaneous Agents
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...
Management of Insomnia
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Circadian Rhythms and Gene Regulation
Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...

