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Review
. 2024 Dec;26(12):703-711.
doi: 10.1007/s11920-024-01546-9. Epub 2024 Oct 14.

Insomnia, OSA, and Mood Disorders: The Gut Connection

André P Pacheco  1   2 , Jonathan Cedernaes  3   4 , Christian Benedict  5
Affiliations
Review

Insomnia, OSA, and Mood Disorders: The Gut Connection

André P Pacheco et al. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2024 Dec.

Abstract

Purpose of review: With the growing body of research examining the link between sleep disorders, including insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and the gut microbiome, this review seeks to offer a thorough overview of the most significant findings in this emerging field.

Recent findings: Current evidence suggests a complex association between imbalances in the gut microbiome, insomnia, and OSA, with potential reciprocal interactions that may influence each other. Notably, specific gut microbiome species, whether over- or under-abundant, have been associated with variation in both sleep and mood in patients diagnosed with, e.g., major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder. Further studies are needed to explore the potential of targeting the gut microbiome as a therapeutic approach for insomnia and its possible effects on mood. The variability in current scientific literature highlights the importance of establishing standardized research methodologies.

Keywords: Gut microbiome; Insomnia; Mood disorders; Obstructive sleep apnea; Sleep disorders.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interests. Human and Animal Rights: All reported studies/experiments with human or animal subjects performed by the authors have been previously published and complied with all applicable ethical standards (including the Helsinki declaration and its amendments, institutional/national research committee standards, and international/national/institutional guidelines).

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Interplay between gut microbiota disruption and disturbed sleep. Various physiological and psychological factors associated with disturbed sleep, such as poor food choices, are linked to changes in the gut microbiome. An imbalanced gut microbiome, characterized by low microbial diversity and the prevalence of certain microbes, may be associated with further sleep disturbances, potentially contributing to a recurring cycle
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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