Sleep is ridiculously important – we all know that. Most of us are constantly looking for new ways to get a better night's rest so that we can perform at our best in everyday life. And more seriously, chronic sleep deprivation has been shown to be detrimental to our health. Recent research has linked sleep disorders to a range of problems from obesity, to diabetes, depression and even cancer.

And now, some experts believe that disrupted sleep could actually affect our gut bacteria, potentially triggering the above conditions.

Nutritional Therapist Claire Barnes, who works with Bio-Kult, explains more:

"Our gut flora appears to fluctuate during the resting and active phases of the day. Certain species, such as Lactobacillus increase during resting phases and then decline again in active phases. If we disrupt our body's normal resting and active phases this could potentially cause an altered gut flora, which may potentially lead to the conditions already mentioned."

She reveals that as poor sleep can affect our food choices – who doesn't crave a sugary pastry after a sleepless night? – that could be affecting our gut. Sugary, processed food has been shown to decrease the diversity of our gut bacteria, potentially leading to an overgrowth of harmful strains.

Can bad bacteria cause insomnia?

But does it work the other way round? Could poor sleep actually be caused by our gut microbiome?

Barnes explains that evidence is still trying to establish whether that is the case. A study in 2014, which looked at mice, suggested bacteria supplements could change sleep patterns. And a human trial in 2014 showed taking probiotics might regulate melatonin production (the hormone that promotes sleep).

So in theory, taking a probiotic (such as Bio-Kult Adanced 14 strain) might improve sleeping patterns - as well as your digestive health.

But scientists has only really just begun to study the relationship between poor sleep and our microbiome. More research will be needed before we can be clear whether gut bacteria really can influence our sleeping patterns.

More tips for better sleep

If you're not convinced taking a live bacteria supplement is for you, these other sleep tips might help:

• Maintain a regular sleep and wake pattern each day and try to avoid disrupting this at the weekend.

• Avoid consuming stimulants too close to going to bed, such as alcohol, caffeine and even chocolate.

• Eat regular meals throughout the day to keep your blood sugar balanced. Try to eat your main meal at least three hours before sleeping.

• Include some exercise and fresh air into your day.

• Turn off all Wi-Fi, screens and phones at least thirty minutes before bedtime.

• Practice mindfulness and relaxation exercises in the evening to relax and switch your mind off.

• Keep the lights low in the evening to allow your body to naturally move into resting phase.

Natalie Healey Once-upon-a-time laboratory scientist who soon realised she preferred interviewing interesting people and writing to conducting haphazard experiments.

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