The Sleep and Gut Connection

Who thinks of their gut as a problem when they can’t sleep? Probably not many of us. However, gut health is very important to a host of body processes, including neurotransmitter (NT) and hormone production. (A neurotransmitter is just a chemical that tells the brain to do something.)

An example of a NT is serotonin, most associated with positive mood, but also appetite and digestion, sleep, memory, sexual desire and function. An example of a hormone produced primarily in the gut is melatonin, often associated with sleep or the sleep/wake cycle.

Keeping those 2 compounds in mind, consider this:

• 400x more Serotonin is produced in the gut than is in the brain

• 500x more Melatonin is produced in the gut than in the pineal gland of the brain

This is an important concept to remember; even though they aren’t made in great amounts in the brain, compounds made elsewhere can still have a heavy impact on the brain. In fact, studies have shown symptoms of IBS-D (Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea) were worse the mornings following a night of poor sleep. Conversely, following a night of quality sleep, IBS symptoms were decreased. There are many studies suggesting the importance of a good night’s sleep for improved gut symptoms, and vice versa.

So, if you are having trouble sleeping at night, whether that’s falling asleep, staying asleep, or not feeling rested in the morning, look to your gut as an important step in your journey to health.