Scientists are discovering that your mouth’s microbial community plays a crucial role in regulating sleep. A recent study published in SLEEP found that young adults who get more sleep have more diverse oral microbiomes, indicating a potential link between gut health and restful nights.
Researchers analyzed data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) on 1,332 participants aged 16 to 26. The results showed that those who consistently got three percent of their recommended sleep hours had significantly more diverse oral microbiomes than others.
Greater microbial variety is associated with better health, which supports the idea that the body’s microbial communities contribute to sleep quality. Other studies have found that people with chronic insomnia and “social jetlag” tend to have lower microbial diversity in the gut.
The study suggests that microbes can influence sleep directly by affecting circadian rhythms and releasing neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. Researchers are exploring the potential for fecal transplants, probiotics, and prebiotics as new treatments for sleep disorders, including insomnia and sleep apnea.
These discoveries could lead to innovative therapies, such as probiotics designed to calm restless nights or microbiome-based treatments for more serious conditions. While further research is needed, this study highlights the importance of considering the oral microbiome when addressing sleep problems.
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Source: https://www.discovermagazine.com/gut-and-mouth-microbiomes-reveal-how-well-we-sleep-and-may-offer-new-insomnia-treatments-48005