Did you know that your baby’s sleep quality can have a big impact on their digestion? There’s a strong connection between how well your little one sleeps and how their tummy works, and in this video, we’ll delve into why poor sleep and gut issues often go hand in hand.
The Bi-directional relationship between your baby’s gut bacteria and circadian rhythm
Recent research shows that babies’ gut bacteria follow their own circadian rhythm, which is closely linked to your baby’s sleep-wake cycle. This means that when your baby sleeps well, it helps regulate their gut activity, and in turn, a healthy gut can support better sleep. Disruptions in sleep, however, can throw off this balance and affect how well food moves through their digestive system.
Sleep influences the diversity of your baby’s gut microbiome
Studies show that babies who go to bed earlier and sleep longer at night tend to have a more diverse range of gut bacteria than those who stay up later and get less sleep. Why does this matter? A healthy diversity of gut flora is like having a well-rounded team of workers: different bacteria handle different jobs, such as breaking down food, producing vitamins, supporting the immune system, and helping with digestion. The more variety there is, the better the digestive system can function overall.
Research has found that early, consistent bedtimes can activate metabolic pathways in the body. Metabolic pathways are like carefully planned assembly lines that turn the food we eat into energy and manage how our body functions. When these pathways are working efficiently, they help regulate gut movement (also known as gut motility), ensuring food moves through the digestive system smoothly.
When babies get enough restful sleep, their digestive systems work more smoothly, helping food and waste move through the gut as they should. On the other hand, poor sleep can slow things down, sometimes leading to constipation.
Stress induces gastrointestinal issues
Lack of proper sleep can increase stress in babies, which may exacerbate gastrointestinal issues. Sleep helps regulate a baby’s stress response, with studies showing that infants who sleep better have lower cortisol levels—the primary stress hormone. Fragmented sleep in babies were shown to increase cortisol levels the next day. Additionally, babies with sleep problems tend to have higher stress markers. Good sleep promotes relaxation, activating the parasympathetic nervous system—the "rest and digest" system—which supports healthy digestive processes.
Research has shown that children with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), such as snoring or sleep apnea, are more likely to experience constipation compared to those without SDB. Another study found that babies with sleep deprivation were more likely to develop gastrointestinal disorders, including constipation. Conversely, discomfort from constipation can make a baby irritable during the day and affect their sleep.
Some parents have reported improved sleep when their baby's constipation was addressed. In one study, more parents in the treatment group described their baby's sleep as “better” or “much better” compared to those in the control group, reinforcing the strong connection between sleep quality and digestion.
