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If you once came across insomnia, you probably know ordinary suspects: stress, caffeine, alcohol, the main health problems or side effects of drugs to mention some.
But the key to chronic insomnia can be deep in the intestines – at least partially, according to a new study in General psychiatry magazineField
About 10% of adults suffer from ordinary insomnia, and another 20% have random symptoms that include difficulties with falling asleep and poor sleep quality, as well as effects during the day, such as irritability or fatigue.
Other studies emphasized the relationship between insomnia and intestinal health using the so -called intestinal axis, but the latest results give “preliminary signs” that the composition of intestinal microbiomas can actually cause poor sleep, the authors said.
The analysis was based on genetic data from almost 387,000 patients with insomnia, as well as on data on intestinal microbioma, numbering almost 27,000 people.
He revealed a mutual connection between insomnia and some types of bacteria found in the intestines. This means that these bacteria increased the risk of insomnia, while the existence of sleep disorders also, according to, made bacteria more common.
Fourteen groups of bacteria increased the risk of insomnia by 1% to 4%. Eight groups reduced risk by 1% to 3%.
Meanwhile, people who had insomnia had much lower levels of seven groups of bacteria and significantly higher levels of 12 types of bacteria.
The intestinal microbia consists of bacteria, fungi and viruses that usually live in our body and can help and harm our health. These microbes communicate with other cells to help digest food, regulate the immune system and destroy other harmful microorganisms.
According to the researchers, it is not yet clear why the intestinal health and sleep seems to be connected. One theory is that insomnia affects the level of serotonin and dopamine of the body – chemical messengers involved in the sleep cycle – and this, in turn, activates the intestines to obtain these neurotransmitters.
According to them, other possible ways are the regulation of the immune system, inflammation and other molecular and cellular mechanisms.
“In general, the interconnected effect of insomnia on the intestinal microbiocosm, and vice versa is complex two -story relationships,” they said.
The study has some restrictions. Most of the participants were of European origin, so the results may not apply to other groups. Food and other lifestyle factors that can affect the health of the intestines of people, were also taken into account.
Despite this, the researchers said that the results can help inspire future processing related to insomnia, for example, the use of probiotics, prebiotics or stool transplantation.