Sleep Deprivation and Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis: Current Understandings and Implications

Abstract

Gut microbiota comprises the microbial communities inhabiting our gastrointestinal (GI) tracts. Accordingly, these complex communities play a fundamental role in many host processes and are closely implicated in human health and diseases. Sleep deprivation (SD) has become increasingly common in modern society, partly owing to the rising pressure of work and the diversification of entertainment. It is well documented that sleep loss is a significant cause of various adverse outcomes on human health including immune-related and metabolic diseases. Furthermore, accumulating evidence suggests that gut microbiota dysbiosis is associated with these SD-induced human diseases. In this review, we summarize the gut microbiota dysbiosis caused by SD and the succedent diseases ranging from the immune system and metabolic system to various organs and highlight the critical roles of gut microbiota in these diseases. The implications and possible strategies to alleviate SD-related human diseases are also provided.

Effects of Unconventional Work and Shift Work on the Human Gut Microbiota and the Potential of Probiotics to Restore Dysbiosis

“…As mentioned above, the community composition and diversity of GM microorganisms are susceptible to change and are affected by various factors, such as diet, activity, sleep patterns, genetics, drugs, and environment, including the type of work and shift work (Figure 1) [45,46]. Sleep loss and acute circadian disruption are considered physiological stressors that contribute to this susceptibility [46].…”

“…As mentioned above, the community composition and diversity of GM microorganisms are susceptible to change and are affected by various factors, such as diet, activity, sleep patterns, genetics, drugs, and environment, including the type of work and shift work (Figure 1) [45,46]. Sleep loss and acute circadian disruption are considered physiological stressors that contribute to this susceptibility [46]. For example, in a study by Thaiss et al [24], jet lag was induced in a group of mice by subjecting them to an 8 h advance in their daily schedule for three days and showed evidence that host circadian misalignment results in microbial dysbiosis, leading to metabolic imbalances.…”

“…On the other hand, it is necessary to consider that a specific work environment can also influence the GM and thus the health of workers [47,48]. Table 1 Sleep loss and acute circadian disruption are considered physiological stressors that contribute to this susceptibility [46]. For example, in a study by Thaiss et al [24], jet lag was induced in a group of mice by subjecting them to an 8 h advance in their daily schedule for three days and showed evidence that host circadian misalignment results in microbial dysbiosis, leading to metabolic imbalances.…”

Prevalence and bidirectional association of sleep quality and gut health among Chinese midwives: a large population, multi-center cross-sectional study

“…Consequently, poor sleep quality and hormonal imbalances may compromise immune and inflammatory responses, rendering the gut more susceptible to infections and inflammation ( 34 ). Emerging evidence suggests that sleep disturbances can affect the composition and diversity of gut bacteria ( 38 ), potentially leading to dysbiosis and increased susceptibility to gut health issues.…”

Chronodisruption and Gut Microbiota: Triggering Glycemic Imbalance in People with Type 2 Diabetes

“…A review of recent reports in the field provides evidence of the association of adverse changes in gut microbiota diversity (dysbiosis) due to sleep deprivation [ 96 ]. Experiments using the murine model show that the alpha and beta diversity of the gut microbiota exhibited a significant decrease following sleep deprivation, with a reduction in SCFA production and an increase in gut inflammation with hyperpermeability [ 97 ].…”