A recent study suggests that irregular sleep patterns may be linked to harmful bacteria in your gut. This research is groundbreaking in its findings of multiple associations between social jet lag and diet quality, habits, inflammation, and gut microbiome composition.
The study reveals that even a 90-minute difference in the midpoint of sleep can contribute to a microbiome that negatively impacts health. Previous research has already connected shift work to disruptions in the body clock, leading to weight gain, heart problems, and diabetes.
However, the researchers from King’s College London found that smaller inconsistencies in sleeping patterns can also disrupt the body’s biological rhythms. This is due to the use of alarm clocks on workdays compared to waking naturally on non-workdays.
This study is the first to reveal that even minor changes in sleep timings throughout the week are associated with variations in gut bacterial species.
Dr Wendy Hall from King’s College London states, “We know that major disruptions in sleep can significantly impact your health. This study highlights the link between even small differences in sleep timings and variations in gut bacterial species. While some of these associations are related to dietary differences, our data suggests that there may be other unknown factors at play. Intervention trials are needed to determine whether improving sleep consistency can lead to beneficial changes in the gut microbiome and overall health.”
Kate Bermingham, the first author of the study, emphasizes the importance of sleep for health and the timeliness of this research. She mentions, “Even a 90-minute difference in the mid-point of sleep can lead to microbiota species that are associated with negative health effects.”
The researchers suggest that the composition of gut microbes can impact health by producing toxins or beneficial products. Certain species of microbes can indicate an individual’s risk of long-term health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.
As the microbiome is influenced by diet, the diversity of the gut can be adjusted. In this study, the researchers assessed a group of 934 individuals and analyzed their blood, stool, and gut microbiome samples. They found that irregular sleep patterns were associated with lower diet quality, higher consumption of sugary beverages, and lower intake of fruits and nuts.
Furthermore, three out of six microbiota species that were more abundant in the social jet lag group had unfavorable associations with health. They were linked to poor diet quality, indicators of obesity and cardiovascular health, inflammation, and increased cardiovascular risk.
Past research has already linked social jet lag to weight gain, chronic illness, and mental fatigue. Dr Sarah Berry from King’s College London and chief scientist at ZOE emphasizes the importance of maintaining regular sleep patterns for improved gut microbiome health.
Denial of responsibility! TechCodex is an automatic aggregator of the all world’s media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
Jessica Irvine is a tech enthusiast specializing in gadgets. From smart home devices to cutting-edge electronics, Jessica explores the world of consumer tech, offering readers comprehensive reviews, hands-on experiences, and expert insights into the coolest and most innovative gadgets on the market.
