Gut Bacteria and Sleep Apnea: What to Know

Have you ever heard the phrase “gut feeling?” Your digestive system does more than process food. It also acts like a “second brain,” affecting everything from your emotions to your sleep quality and more.

Keep reading to explore how the gut and the bacteria in it impact sleep-wake cycles and can contribute to serious medical conditions like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and apnea-induced hypertension.

Did You Know? Gut Bacteria Produces Key Sleep Hormones

Healthy bacteria in the stomach and intestines play a critical role in the production of sleep hormones like serotonin and melatonin. This is often why the gut is thought to have its own “mind,” so to speak. When bad bacteria outnumber the good bacteria in your gut, your body has a harder time producing those hormones, and your ability to fall and stay asleep can suffer.

This lack of healthy hormones can worsen health problems like sleep apnea, which occurs when a person’s airway becomes obstructed during sleep and breathing pauses. People with sleep apnea typically feel tired during the day and are at a higher risk of other health issues like heart attacks and stroke.

Exploring the Two-Way Relationship Between Apnea and a Disrupted Gut Microbiome

According to a 2015 study published in the American Heart Association’s Journal of Hypertension, individuals with a disrupted gut microbiome are also more likely to have apnea-induced hypertension. This is a condition where patients have episodes of elevated blood pressure during sleep, which stresses the heart and blood vessels and can lead to damage over time.

Not only does an altered gut microbiome contribute to sleep apnea, but oxygen deprivation from apnea itself can also negatively affect the gut. For example, a dry, open mouth at night can lead to an increase in oral bacteria, which then get swallowed, where they multiply in the gut as well.

Ultimately, a vicious and self-perpetuating cycle is created where apnea exacerbates an unbalanced gut and an unbalanced gut exacerbates apnea.

Signs Your Gut May Be Affecting Your Sleep

If you’re having trouble sleeping, here are a few signs that your gut microbiome may be to blame:

• You also have frequent bloating or gas
• Your sleep is disrupted at night
• You wake up tired, even after getting enough sleep
• You’re often in a bad mood
• You struggle with brain fog
• You have strong cravings for sugar and carbohydrates

How Treating the Gut Can Improve Sleep Apnea Symptoms

Treating your gut health goes beyond aiding digestion and can reduce symptoms of sleep apnea and even other conditions like ADHD. Individuals who struggle with apnea or even who just have difficulty sleeping can benefit from rebalancing the gut microbiome.

Usually, this is done by supplementing the diet with high-quality probiotics and fiber-rich foods. You also may need to eliminate certain foods for a period of time, like sweets and breads that can feed unwanted bacteria.

How Green Dentistry Can Help

Green Dentistry understands the complex relationships between different parts of the body and takes a holistic approach to dental care that considers all aspects of a patient’s health. Dr. Namrata Patel can help identify the root cause of sleep apnea and recommend a customized treatment plan.

In addition to diet and lifestyle changes, Dr. Patel often recommends oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea patients. This is a comfortable and non-invasive device that supports the palate and prevents the airway from collapsing during sleep. Unlike a CPAP machine, it makes no noise and requires no power to operate.

Read More

Preventing Sleep Apnea Using a Holistic Approach (Podcast)

Is Sleep Apnea Hurting Your Memory? Find Out Here

Good and Bad Foods for Sleep Apnea (Podcast)

Sleep Apnea and Dentistry (Podcast)

Book Your Appointment Today

Is it time to put your health and wellness first? Green Dentistry is an excellent place to start. Book your appointment with Dr. Patel today and take the first step towards managing uncomfortable digestive issues, sleep apnea, and more. Contact us today by calling (415) 657-8602, or click here to request an appointment online.