Sleep Deprivation and the Gut

Have you found yourself sleep-deprived?

Have you been stressed lately?

Do you suffer from GERD?

Does your stomach suffer from bloating or inflammation?

As we all may know sleep is very important for our well-being it helps our body to function properly including our brain, heart, immune system, and digestive system. Sleep and gut health are interconnected gut bacteria get affected when there is a lack of sleep present. The digestive system plays a big role in how well someone sleeps and sleeps determines how well our digestive system will be it's mainly a two-way street. A good night's sleep results in a healthy gut.

How are sleep deprivation and gut microbiome connected?

The intestinal microbiome is considered to be a real organ since it controls the host digestive system. It helps metabolizes nutrients and with hormone production. The human intestinal microbiome is composed of bacteria and, viruses that live in the host. The gut microbiome plays a big role in the protective barrier versus pathogenic colonization, and food digestion.

The gut microbiome contributes to the production of serotonin precursors and fundamental signal molecules that affect the nervous system. It has been estimated that 90 humans' serotonin is produced by intestinal bacteria. Sleep disorders can affect negatively the gut composition and structure and cause stomach disorders such as GERD, inflammation, bloating, and Irritable Bowel Symptoms (IBS).

Serotonin's role in the gut?

Serotonin has a very important function it acts as a hormone and a neurotransmitter and it stimulates the intestines. Serotonin is also known for being melatonin which regulates the sleep cycles there is a connection between melatonin and gut bacteria. Serotonin is associated with gut functions such as absorption, regulation, and transport of important fluids in the gastrointestinal tract. Serotonin deficiency is a factor in gut disorders like IBS irritable bowel disease and others.

Effects of sleep deprivation?

Lack of sleep increases stress levels which affect the gut. When the body is not well rested, your hormones become unbalanced, triggering cortisol the stress hormone. Increased stress causes intestinal issues such as a leaky gut where foods and toxins pass through the intestine and the bloodstream. This can lead to bloating, inflammation, GERD, IBS, and changes in the microbiome.

How does your metabolism affect by lack of sleep?

Studies have shown that sleep deprivation glucose metabolism and hormones are involved in regulating metabolism. Sleep and metabolism have s shown that lack of sleep diminishes. Sleep deprivation on slows down your ability to process insulin a hormone needed for sugar, starches, and other food energies. Most people need from 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night to little sleep. triggers cortisol spike the stress hormone that signals your body to conserve your work hours

What are some Gut disorders this may cause?

• GERD

• IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)

• Bloating

• Inflammation

"Is estimated that 50-70 million Americans chronically suffer from a sleep disorder."

"40% of people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) report having sleep problems."

Treatment and prevention

• Try to get 8 full hours of sleep

• Reduce stressors

• Consult with your doctor or gastroenterologist if GI symptoms persist

• Keep a balanced diet

• Get into a routine

• Create a good sleeping schedule

• If you have difficulty sleeping, then you can consider melatonin supplements (It is always advised to speak to your doctor directly and make clinical decisions with him or her regarding medications or testing.

• Plan your day out

• Exercise in any form

• Seek therapy if needed for helpful

Take a look at this quick video for you to enjoy from PBS and BrainCraft!!

According to medical research

Summary

There is no magic formula for long-term, sustainable weight loss.

Balance. Portion control. Keep nutrition simple. Eat Smart. Eat Healthy.