Alterations of the gut microbiota have previously been observed due to sleep deprivation. A novel study shows the close crosstalk between sleep quality and gut microbiome diversity, which is mediated by the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6.

Poor sleep quality is a widespread problem and has been associated with several diseases in humans such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. Previous research has reported that the human gut microbiota may express endogenous circadian rhythms, together with findings showing alterations of the gut microbiota in response to sleep deprivation. On the other hand, the gut microbiota and its metabolites regulate the immune system including cytokine activity via bidirectional signaling of the brain-gut-microbiome axis, which may influence sleep and circadian rhythm.