The gut microbiome is associated with many systems and functions of the human body, so when it becomes inflamed, more than just the immune system faces adverse effects. Risk for chronic inflammatory conditions can increase, and sleep can also be negatively affected. This can lead to abnormal circadian rhythms and decreased sleep quality. Recently, more consumers have begun to understand the link between gut health and the wellbeing of other areas of the body. To help alleviate the issues they face, they are increasingly turning to probiotics with anti-inflammatory qualities.
At MDG, we’re here to help you understand the science behind these consumer trends and partner with you to formulate innovative probiotics that differentiate you in the human health market. Keep reading to learn more about the gut microbiome and the relationship between gut health and sleep. Plus, discover how our new probiotic ingredient, BoostBac™, can help!
How does the gut microbiome affect sleep?
The gut-brain axis, a neural communication network between the gut and the brain, is the channel by which the gut microbiome can affect multiple brain functions. If inflammation is present in the gut, that information travels through the gut-brain axis, sending signals to the brain that can negatively affect bodily functions like sleep. Unfortunately, this relationship has a compounding effect: Not only does inflammation lead to poor sleep, but poor sleep can also lead to increased inflammation. This cycle can be hard to break, especially because there are multiple elements of sleep that are affected by inflammation.
Which aspects of sleep can the gut microbiome impact?
- Circadian rhythms: This 24-hour biological clock in the brain is heavily involved in the sleep-wake cycle of the human body. Via the gut-brain axis, inflammation can change this rhythm, leading to negative impacts on sleep.1
- Sleep quality: Inflammation can be increased by the production of certain gut microbes associated with the immune system. Studies have shown that the presence of these pro-inflammatory microbes can impact sleep quality, including total sleep time and the frequency of waking up after falling asleep.2
BoostBac™: An Anti-Inflammatory Solution
BoostBac™ is a dual-strain Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus coagulans probiotic ingredient clinically proven to support the body’s anti-inflammatory responses. A clinical efficacy study of BoostBac™ also found a link between its anti-inflammatory properties and better sleep in the study participants. Using BoostBac™ as an ingredient in your probiotic can give your formulation the power to regulate anti-inflammatory activity in the gut microbiome and immune system, potentially leading to higher sleep quality and/or fewer disruptions of circadian rhythms.
Partner with Us
The probiotic market is growing fast, and there are countless new discoveries waiting to be made. When you choose us as your partner in supplying probiotic ingredients, you gain access to our expert microbiologists and cutting-edge research technology, which can set you apart in the marketplace. Interested in hearing more about what we have to offer? Contact us today!
MDG is the probiotic provider that helps you differentiate faster without the added risk of investing your own resources in the development process.
References
- Vitaterna, M. H., Takahashi, J. S., & Turek, F. (2001). Overview of circadian rhythms. Alcohol Research & Health, 25(2), pp. 85–93. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6707128/
- Smith, R. P., Easson, C., Lyle, S. M., Kapoor, R., Donnelly, C. P., Davidson, E. J., Parikh, E., Lopez, J. V., & Tartar, J. L. (2019). Gut microbiome diversity is associated with sleep physiology in humans. PLOS One. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0222394
