Sleep Quality Turns Out to Affect Gut Health, Here's the Explanation

Illustration of sleep quality affecting gut health (Freepik/stockking)

YOGYAKARTA - Sleep quality and intestinal health are actually closely related. Until now, many people think that digestive problems are only influenced by the food consumed. In fact, sleep quality also plays an important role in maintaining the balance of the digestive system. Therefore, getting enough sleep is not only beneficial for energy and concentration, but also for intestinal health.

Researchers have found that the gut and brain are connected through a communication system called the gut-brain axis or gut-brain axis. This line allows the two to send signals to each other all the time. This means that the condition of the gut can affect the quality of sleep, and vice versa, sleep patterns can also affect gut health. It is this two-way relationship that makes the two inseparable.

When you sleep, your body performs various recovery processes that are important for health. Not only the brain is resting, the digestive system also gets the opportunity to make improvements. At the same time, the balance of the gut microbiome is maintained. The microbiome itself is a collection of microorganisms that live in the digestive tract and play an important role for the body.

Illustration of how sleep quality affects gut health (Freepik/KamranAydinov)

Conversely, lack of sleep can disrupt the balance of the microbiome. Several studies show that sleep disorders are related to changes in bacterial composition in the gut. These changes can trigger inflammation and affect various body functions. In the long run, the impact is not only felt on digestion, but also on overall health.

The relationship between sleep and the gut also involves the hormone melatonin. This hormone is known as a regulator of the sleep-wake cycle. Interestingly, the digestive tract stores melatonin in very large amounts. Quoting Verywell Health, Wednesday, June 17, experts believe that the gut microbiome also supports processes related to the production of the hormone melatonin.

In addition to melatonin, there is also an amino acid called tryptophan which plays an important role in sleep quality. Tryptophan is used by the body to produce serotonin and melatonin. Serotonin helps regulate mood, while melatonin helps the body know when it's time to sleep. Therefore, good gut health can support various processes related to quality sleep.

Diet is one of the factors that can help maintain the balance of the gut microbiome. Consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and fermented foods can support the growth of good bacteria. Conversely, excessively consumed ultra-processed foods can disrupt this balance. Daily food choices can actually have an impact on both gut health and sleep quality.

In addition to maintaining a healthy diet, healthy sleeping habits are also important to implement. Try to sleep and wake up at relatively the same time every day. Reducing the use of gadgets before going to bed can also help the body produce melatonin optimally. This simple step can provide benefits for the quality of rest and digestive health.

Sleep quality apparently affects gut health through a complex relationship between the brain, hormones, and the microbiome. When sleep is disrupted, the balance of good bacteria in the gut can also change. Therefore, maintaining sleep quality and gut health should be done simultaneously. With a good diet and regular sleep routine, you can support gut health while improving overall quality of life.