Brain-gut-microbiota interactions in sleep disorders

Sleep is a fundamental physiological process essential for maintaining both physical and mental health. While significant advances have been made in understanding the central nervous system mechanisms that regulate sleep-wake cycles, emerging evidence reveals the crucial role of peripheral organs, particularly the digestive system, in modulating brain function and behavior through the microbiota-gut-brain axis. This bidirectional communication network between the gut and the central nervous system directly and indirectly impacts sleep regulation. Disruptions in gut microbiota composition are closely linked to sleep disturbances, and alterations in the microbiota-gut-brain axis have been observed in several sleep disorders and illnesses with comorbid sleep disturbances. This review synthesizes current insights into the interplay between gut microbiota and sleep-wake regulation, highlighting potential routes of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in sleep and gut microbiome interactions and their health implications. Modulating gut microbiota may present a promising strategy for developing novel therapeutic approaches to address sleep disorders.