Summary: A new review highlights growing evidence linking gut health to sleep apnea, suggesting that changes in gut microbiota may influence the severity of sleep-disordered breathing. These microbial imbalances are associated with increased inflammation, leaky gut, and impaired gut-brain communication—all of which may exacerbate obstructive sleep apnea.
Researchers also discuss the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) as possible messengers carrying microbial signals to the brain that affect sleep regulation. The findings support future research into microbiome-based therapies as a novel approach to managing sleep apnea.
Key Facts:
- Microbiome Link: Altered gut microbiota may worsen sleep apnea through inflammation and impaired gut-barrier function.
- Gut–Brain Signals: Extracellular vesicles could mediate communication between gut microbes and sleep-regulating brain regions.
- Therapeutic Potential: Improving gut health may offer new avenues for treating or mitigating sleep apnea symptoms.
Source: Marshall University
A new scientific review from researchers at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine highlights emerging connections between gut health and sleep apnea, pointing to potential new therapeutic approaches for managing this common and serious disorder.
The article, published earlier this month in the journalSleep Medicine, was led by Marshall medical student Rebecca Hicks, in collaboration with faculty researchers.
It explores how gut microbiota—the diverse community of microorganisms living in the digestive tract—may influence the development and severity of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Alterations in gut microbiota composition have been consistently observed in individuals with sleep apnea, and may induce “Leaky gut,” or impaired intestinal barrier integrity, that in turn promotes systemic inflammation that worsens sleep apnea symptoms and facilitates the emergence of end-organ injury.
“Recent studies suggest that changes in gut microbiota diversity and composition may play a role in the onset or progression of sleep apnea,” said Hicks, lead author on the review.
“This connection may be mediated by impaired gut barrier function, inflammation, immune responses and gut-brain communication pathways.”
The review also highlights the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs)—tiny particles released by cells that carry molecular signals—as potential messengers between the gut and brain.
These EVs may affect sleep regulation by modulating immune responses or transporting microbial signals to the brain and could serve as biomarkers or therapeutic targets in modulating the gut–brain axis in sleep apnea.
The authors, which include David Gozal, M.D., M.B.A., Ph.D. (Hon); Sarfraz Ahmed, Ph,D.; and Abdelnaby Khalyfa, M.S., Ph.D., all of Marshall University, call for future longitudinal studies to better understand how gut microbiome changes over time may influence the development or consequences of sleep apnea.
They also advocate for deeper investigation into the mechanisms by which microbial species and their metabolites affect sleep, and for development of new treatments aimed at improving gut health as a strategy for managing sleep apnea.
“It is exciting to see medical students taking the lead in exploring complex and emerging areas like the gut–sleep connection,” said Khalyfa, professor of biomedical sciences at Marshall University, corresponding author on this study and Rebecca’s mentor.
“This kind of research not only advances our understanding of sleep apnea but also demonstrates the vital role early career trainees can play in shaping the future of medicine in general, and of sleep medicine in particular through innovation and collaboration.”
About this sleep apnea and microbiome research news
Author: Sheanna Spence
Source: Marshall University
Contact: Sheanna Spence – Marshall University
Image: The image is credited to Neuroscience News
Original Research: Open access.
“Interplay between gut microbiota and exosome dynamics in sleep apnea” by Rebecca Hicks et al. Sleep Medicine
Abstract
Interplay between gut microbiota and exosome dynamics in sleep apnea
Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is characterized by recurrent reductions or interruptions in airflow during sleep, termed hypopneas and apneas, respectively.
SDB impairs sleep quality and is linked to substantive health issues including cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, as well as cognitive decline. Recent evidence suggests a link between gut microbiota (GM) composition and sleep apnea.
Indeed, GM, a community of microorganisms residing in the gut, has emerged as a potential player in various diseases, and several studies have identified associations between sleep apnea and GM diversity along with shifts in bacterial populations.
Additionally, the concept of “leaky gut,” a compromised intestinal barrier with potentially increased inflammation, has emerged as another key player in the potential bidirectional relationship between GM and sleep apnea.
One of the potential effectors could be extracellular vesicles (EVs) underlying gut-brain communication pathways that are relevant to sleep regulation and function. Thus, therapeutic implications afforded by targeting the GM or exosomes for sleep apnea management have surfaced as promising areas of research.
This review explores current understanding of the relationship between GM, exosomes and sleep apnea, highlighting key research dynamics and potential mechanisms.
A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted, focusing on studies investigating GM composition, intestinal barrier function and gut-brain communication in relation to sleep apnea.
