Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 10, 2025

Intracerebroventricular Delivery of Gut-Derived Microbial Metabolites in Freely Moving Mice
Published on: June 2, 2022
Gut Microbiota-Derived Short-Chain Fatty Acids and Sleep Disturbances in Pediatric Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity
Nonglak Boonchooduang1, Orawan Louthrenoo1, Narueporn Likhitweerawong1
1Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Background:
Sleep disturbances frequently affect individuals diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Current research emphasizes that the gut-brain axis is a significant pathway influencing both sleep and ADHD symptoms. Metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), generated by gut microbiota, are crucial in gut-brain interaction, but their connection to sleep issues in ADHD is not well understood. This study assessed the relationship between fecal SCFA levels and sleep disturbances in children diagnosed with ADHD. Differences in SCFA profiles between methylphenidate-medicated and unmedicated children to explore the impact of medication were also investigated.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study included 25 children diagnosed with ADHD. Sleep disturbance was assessed using the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire, and fecal SCFA concentrations were quantified via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.
Results:
Most participants (92%) exhibited clinically significant sleep disturbances, as indicated by Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire scores above the threshold. Unmedicated children showed higher bedtime resistance and greater concentrations of most SCFAs. The partial correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between sleep duration problems and acetate, while negative correlations between bedtime resistance were shown in relation to iso-butyrate, iso-valerate, and valerate. From multiple linear regression, acetate and propionate emerged as significant predictors of sleep issues.
Conclusions:
This study highlights distinct SCFA profiles in medicated and unmedicated ADHD children, with acetate and propionate emerging as potential predictors of sleep disturbance. These findings highlight the importance of SCFAs in the gut-brain axis and emphasize the need for personalized ADHD management strategies targeting gut health to improve sleep.
Related Concept Videos
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
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
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
RBD is significantly associated with...

