Volume: 4, 2025
4th International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: H022
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL4.H022
Published online: 9 April 2025
ICDSUPL, 4, H022 (2025)
Psychobiotics and sleep. Can gut microbiota help with insomnia?
Angelika Śliwka1*, Kinga Zdybel1, Magdalena Polak-Berecka1
1 Department of Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Chemistry, Maria Curie Sklodowska University in Lublin, Marii Skłodowskiej-Curie 3, 20-031 Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: angelika.sliwka@up.lublin.pl
Abstract
Sleep accounts for about one-third of a human’s lifespan and plays a crucial role in maintaining physical and mental health. Sleep disorders, particularly insomnia, which ranks as the second most common neuropsychiatric disorder, negatively affect many aspects of bodily function. The consequences of sleep deprivation include impaired cognitive function, increased stress levels, and contribute to the development of cardiovascular and endocrine system diseases. An increasing number of studies indicate the significant role of the gut-brain axis in sleep regulation. The gut microbiota influences brain function through immunological, endocrine, and neuronal pathways, producing metabolites and neuroactive compounds, which include short-chain fatty acids, secondary bile acids, and neurotransmitters. Frequently, sleep disorders are associated with gut microbiome dysbiosis, characterized by reduced microbial diversity and loss of beneficial bacteria. Psychobiotics, defined as microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, act neuromodulatory and confer benefits for mental health, show potential in alleviating symptoms of insomnia, among other effects. Clinical studies have demonstrated that strains such as Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Bifidobacterium breve can improve sleep quality and reduce sleep disturbances in patients by regulating the composition of gut microbiota, reducing cortisol levels, and other stress indicators. The mechanisms underlying these effects include modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, whose dysfunction is closely linked to the development of sleep disorders and insomnia. Stress, being one of the main factors contributing to episodes of insomnia, leads to excessive activation of the HPA axis, resulting in increased cortisol secretion and sleep disturbances. The microbiota-gut-brain axis functions bidirectionally: gut microbiota affects brain processes related to sleep, while simultaneously the central nervous system and its circadian rhythms modulate the composition and functions of the microbiota. Research has shown that gut microbiota diversity positively correlates with sleep duration, and probiotic interventions can improve sleep quality. In light of the increasing prevalence of sleep problems, psychobiotics represent a promising, non-pharmacological therapeutic option, which requires further research to determine optimal strains, doses, and duration of use.
Keywords: psychobiotics, insomnia, microbiota, gut-brain axis
How to cite
A. Śliwka, K. Zdybel, M. Polak-Berecka, 2025. Psychobiotics and sleep. Can gut microbiota help with insomnia?. In: 4th International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL4.H022