Researchers from the Sixth Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital in China have discovered that probiotics can enhance sleep quality and reduce daytime fatigue. Their findings from a meta-analysis were published in Frontiers in Psychiatry.
Probiotics are defined as live microorganisms found in fermented foods and dietary supplements, which help maintain the balance of intestinal microbiota.
In recent years, considerable scientific interest has focused on the “gut-brain axis,” a complex, bidirectional communication pathway connecting the gut, immune system, and central nervous system. Studies indicate that gut bacteria can influence inflammation levels, neurotransmitter production, and the body’s stress response.
The authors conducted a meta-analysis of 39 randomized controlled trials involving over four thousand participants. These studies examined the effects of various probiotic strains on sleep quality, sleep duration, daytime sleepiness, and insomnia.
The analysis revealed that probiotic consumption was associated with modest improvements in sleep quality. Participants taking probiotics also reported less frequent complaints of daytime fatigue, with an average increase in sleep duration of approximately 14 minutes.
The researchers attribute this effect to the influence of gut bacteria on serotonin production and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) synthesis, compounds involved in regulating sleep and emotional states. Additionally, the gut microbiota can impact the level of chronic inflammation and stress hormones, both of which are known to negatively affect sleep onset and quality.
The scientists acknowledge that the observed effect is modest. They plan to continue their research using a wider range of probiotics and varying experimental durations.
About the Author
