American researchers have discovered that microbes in the gut can influence the brain and regulate the sleep cycle. The substance peptidoglycan from bacterial cell walls migrates to the brain, changing the activity of sleep-related genes and disrupting the natural rhythm when it is deficient.
American neurobiologists have discovered that microbes in our gut directly affect brain function and help regulate the sleep cycle. Research from Washington State University showed that the substance peptidoglycan, a component of bacterial cell walls, can migrate to the brain and alter the activity of genes responsible for sleep.
The scientists observed that peptidoglycan levels in the brains of mice changed throughout the day, with the lowest level occurring in the morning. Sleep deprivation led to its accumulation in certain brain areas and a disruption of the natural rhythm.
Researchers proposed the concept of “holobiont sleep,” according to which sleep is controlled not only by the brain but also by the human microbiome. “It’s a collaborative effort between the cells of our body and the microorganisms living within it,” explained Professor Eric English.
The study results, published in the journal Frontiers in Neuroscience, confirm that the gut and brain are closely linked and that the microbiome plays a crucial role in shaping the natural sleep rhythm. This data opens up new possibilities for studying insomnia and other sleep disorders by targeting gut microbes.
