Zhurnal nevrologii i psikhiatrii imeni S.S. KorsakovaJun 27, 2024

How Gut Microbes and the Brain Work Together to Control Body Clocks, Sleep, and Sleep Problems

Gut-Brain Axis Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗

Updated Feb 13, 2026

Abstract

The gut microbiome is linked to sleep disturbances and neurological disorders.

The microbiota-gut-brain axis involves complex interactions between the gut microbiome and cerebral structures.
Changes in intestinal microbiota are associated with an increased prevalence of neurological and sleep disorders.
Excessive light exposure can worsen gut microflora imbalances, potentially leading to sleep issues.
Gut dysbiosis may serve as a risk factor for various diseases, highlighting the need for balance in gut microflora.
Key factors influencing sleep regulation include neurotransmitters, short-chain fatty acids, and cytokines related to gut health.

Simplified

The bidirectional relationship between cerebral structures and the gastrointestinal tract involving the microbiota embraces the scientific concept of the microbiota-gut-brain axis. The gut microbiome plays an important role in many physiological and biochemical processes of the human body, in the immune response and maintenance of homeostasis, as well as in the regulation of circadian rhythms. There is a relationship between the higher prevalence of a number of neurological disorders, sleep disorders and changes in the intestinal microbiota, which actualizes the study of the complex mechanisms of such correlation for the development of new treatment and prevention strategies. Environmental factors associated with excessive light exposure can aggravate the gut dysbiosis of intestinal microflora, and as a result, lead to sleep disturbances. This review examines the integrative mechanisms of sleep regulation associated with the gut microbiota (the role of neurotransmitters, short-chain fatty acids, unconjugated bile acids, bacterial cell wall components, cytokines). Taking into account the influence of gut dysbiosis as a risk factor in the development of various diseases, the authors systematize key aspects and modern scientific data on the importance of microflora balance to ensure optimal interaction along the microbiota-gut-brain axis in the context of the regulatory role of the sleep-wake cycle and its disorders.

How Gut Microbes and the Brain Work Together to Control Body Clocks, Sleep, and Sleep Problems

Abstract

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