Early bedtimes may have more benefits for kids than just a good night’s rest—research now links early sleep patterns with a healthier gut microbiome. According to a study conducted by a research team at a rehabilitation hospital in Gansu Province, China, children who go to bed early have a greater diversity of beneficial gut bacteria.
A research team from a rehabilitation hospital in Gansu Province, China, recently conducted a study to explore the impact of sleep duration on children’s gut microbiome.
The gut microbiome is a community of approximately 4,000 to 10,000 microorganisms in the human digestive system, which is pivotal in supporting the immune system. Due to its close connection with immunity, it is vital in preventing and managing chronic diseases, including cancer.
The study involved 88 healthy children aged 2 to 14 monitored over two weeks. The researchers assessed various factors, such as bedtime, nighttime awakenings, sleep efficiency, and overall sleep quality.
The children were then divided into two groups: those who went to bed before 9:30 PM and those who slept later. Stool samples were collected from both groups for genomic analysis.
The analysis showed that children who went to bed early had a higher abundance of beneficial gut bacteria, with a notable presence of the strain Akkermansia muciniphila.
Previous studies have found that Akkermansia muciniphila supports gut health and alleviates symptoms of metabolic conditions like diabetes, inflammatory diseases, and cancer.
Furthermore, the team’s metabolite analysis revealed enhanced amino acid metabolism and neurotransmitter regulation in children who slept earlier.
The researchers concluded, “Our findings indicate that sleep patterns in childhood significantly impact the gut microbiome” and expressed optimism about developing new pharmacological treatments for pediatric sleep disorders.
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