The Impact of Irregular Sleep on Gut Bacteria and Health

New research suggests that irregular sleep patterns, also known as social jet lag, can have detrimental effects on gut health and increase health risks. Even a 90-minute change in sleep schedule can lead to shifts in gut bacteria, promoting species associated with obesity and heart disease. The study, conducted by scientists from King's College London and ZOE, highlights the links between social jet lag, diet quality, inflammation, and gut microbiome composition. The findings emphasize the importance of maintaining regular sleep patterns for overall health and suggest that improving sleep time consistency may lead to beneficial changes in the gut microbiome and related health outcomes.