The Gut Microbiome in Sleep Disorders: A Review of Recent Evidence

Alterations in the gut microbiome have been shown to influence sleep through gut-brain interactions. However, the interplay between the gut microbiome and sleep disorders remains insufficiently understood. This narrative review provides an overview of recent evidence on the role of the gut microbiome in sleep disorders, examining host-microbial regulation of the sleep cycle, the relationship between gut microbiome dysbiosis and sleep disorders, the influence of the gut microbiome on sleep-related breathing disorders, sleep deprivation, and sleep fragmentation, as well as microbial therapeutic approaches to sleep disorders. Through its effects on bacterial metabolites, immune responses, and neuronal signaling, the gut microbiome might be potentially involved in the regulation of sleep-wake cycles. Disturbances in sleep have been associated with shifts in gut microbiome composition, but this relationship remains incompletely understood and it suggests a bidirectional nature. Evidence indicates that interventions targeting the gut microbiome, such as the use of psychobiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation, may have potential for improving sleep outcomes, but further research is needed to determine their actual effectiveness. Understanding the full range of factors influencing the gut microbiome and their interactions with other variables will be essential for elucidating the mechanisms behind gut-sleep interactions. Thus, future studies should focus on clarifying causality, identifying key biomarkers, and developing microbial-based interventions to establish effective therapeutic strategies.