A recent study conducted in the Republic of Korea has revealed that supplementation with a specific probiotic strain can enhance sleep duration, increase stages 2 and REM sleep, and reduce wakefulness during the night.
The researchers stated, “These findings suggest that strain-defined probiotics could be a beneficial nutritional strategy for improving sleep health, particularly in addressing sleep fragmentation and maintenance,” in their article published in the journal Nutrients.
In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining sleep continuity poses a significant challenge due to irregular sleep schedules, excessive screen time, stress, and the intake of stimulants like caffeine and alcohol. Disrupted sleep patterns can adversely affect cognitive performance, mental well-being, and increase the risk of chronic illnesses.
The Role of Probiotics in Sleep
Emerging research indicates that gut microbiota may play a crucial role in regulating sleep through several pathways, including the gut-brain axis and the metabolic conversion of tryptophan to serotonin and subsequently melatonin, as well as GABA-related signaling.
Preclinical studies involving B. coagulans IDCC 1201 have shown promises of sleep-promoting effects via GABA signaling. However, the new study did not find significant differences in GABA levels in the blood after four weeks of supplementation. The researchers noted, “This lack of a biomarker result should be interpreted with caution and does not invalidate its potential neurobiological significance.”
The study also pointed out several “practical and scientific advantages” of using B. coagulans IDCC 1201 compared to alternative foods, botanical extracts, or fermented ingredients for promoting sleep.
“Firstly, botanical extracts can vary significantly from batch to batch due to differences in raw materials, growing conditions, and extraction methods, often without well-defined active components,” the researchers explained. They emphasized that a strain-defined ingredient like B. coagulans IDCC 1201 offers better standardization and reproducibility.
Additionally, this probiotic remains stable during storage and manufacturing, ensuring consistent delivery. Unlike some botanical solutions that primarily facilitate sleep onset, B. coagulans also aids in sleep maintenance and consolidation.
“Collectively, these findings position B. coagulans IDCC 1201 as a reliable functional ingredient that positively impacts sleep continuity,” the researchers concluded.
Study Overview
The study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 80 healthy adults who experienced sleep disturbances but did not have insomnia. Participants were randomly assigned to take either a daily probiotic capsule containing B. coagulans IDCC 1201 or a placebo for four weeks. The probiotic was supplied by Ildong Bioscience Co., Ltd., which sponsored the research.
Researchers gathered data on dietary habits, physical measurements, sleep quality through surveys, objective sleep evaluations using polysomnography (PSG), and serum GABA concentrations.
The results revealed that after four weeks, the participants who took the probiotic had significantly improved sleep continuity and self-reported sleep metrics, showing increased sleep efficiency and duration, along with enhancements in stage 2 and REM sleep. No safety issues were reported.
Interestingly, there were no notable differences in blood GABA levels between the two groups. The researchers speculated that relevant sleep changes may occur centrally or locally in the gut-brain axis, possibly without causing peripheral GABA increases. Additionally, other immune factors could influence sleep independently of circulating GABA, and blood sampling methods may not capture all the changes effectively.
The researchers acknowledged limitations of their study, which included a predominantly female participant group, a relatively short study duration, and the absence of microbiome profiling, all of which could enhance future insights into the underlying mechanisms.
Source: Nutrients; doi: 10.3390/nu18101525; “Efficacy and Safety of Bacillus coagulans IDCC 1201 for Sleep Improvement in Adults with Sleep Disturbance: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Polysomnographic Study.” Authors: H. Kim et al.
