Research supports SLEEP is the “SWISS ARMY KNIFE OF HEALTH”
Research supports SLEEP is the “SWISS ARMY KNIFE OF HEALTH”
By Liz Moon, NP
Researchers from Nova Southeastern University (NSU) published a study this past year trying to better understand what is going inside our bodies and how that may impact the quality of sleep we experience. What they found was those who slept well had a more diverse — or “better” — gut microbiome.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releas…/2019/…/191028164311.htm
Based on previous studies and his own theories, Dr. Jamie Tartar and his team “think that poor sleep probably exerts a strong negative effect on gut health/microbiome diversity.” If you haven’t read our Comprehensive Gastrointestinal Health blog before, the gut microbiome is the collection of trillions of bacteria, parasites, fungi and their genetic material found in the gastrointestinal tract.
“Getting a good night’s sleep can lead to improved health, and a lack of sleep can have detrimental effects. We’ve all seen the reports that show not getting proper sleep can lead to short term (stress, psychosocial issues) and long-term (cardiovascular disease, cancer) health problems. We know that the deepest stage of sleep is when the brain ‘takes out the trash’ since the brain and gut communicate with each other. Quality sleep impacts so many other facets of human health,” explains Tartar.
According to Dr. Robert Smith, also part of the NSU research team, several factors determine someone’s microbiome. “Genetics, some people are predisposed to have a more diverse gut microbiome than their friends and neighbors. Drugs, certain medications such as antibiotics impact the diversity of the gut microbiome.” Diet, especially one high in fiber and prebiotics is beneficial to increasing diversity.
“The preliminary results are promising, but there’s still more to learn,” Smith said. “But eventually people may be able to take steps to manipulate their gut microbiome in order to help them get a good night’s sleep.” If you need help diversifying your gut microbiome and or optimizing your sleep come see us, we have an entire team waiting to support you! Call to schedule an office visit at 224-407-4400 or request one on our website at www.compgihealth.com!