Gut Microbiota and Sleep Deprivation: Potential Interactions and Implications for Equine Research – Scoping Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64292/ijes.203Keywords:
Microbiome, gut bacteria, microbial imbalance, metabolism, inflammationAbstract
Background: Sleep deprivation negatively affects metabolism and the immune system. Among other factors, this condition disrupts homeostasis by altering the gut microbiota, which plays a crucial role in maintaining physiological balance in humans and rodents, including sleep regulation. However, to date, no study has directly investigated this interaction in horses. Aims: This review aims to examine the interplay between sleep deprivation and gut microbiota from a translational perspective, emphasizing the gut–brain axis and the roles of sleep and microbiota in equine health. Materials and Methods: Original research articles, meta-analyses, and literature reviews relevant to the topic were included. Database searches were conducted using carefully selected keywords to ensure comprehensive coverage of pertinent literature. Results: Sixty-three studies were reviewed, including original studies, systematic and narrative reviews, observational studies, randomized clinical trials, and experimental investigations, published between 1975 and 2025. Sleep deprivation was found to alter the gut microbiota, increasing inflammatory markers and modifying metabolic pathways, predisposing the organism to disease. Conversely, the gut microbiota also influences sleep, indicating a bidirectional relationship. Although studies on horses are lacking, preliminary evidence suggests the presence of the gut–brain axis in this species. Sleep disruption may therefore negatively influence the gut microbiota of horses, as reported in other animals.
Conclusion: Sleep deprivation negatively affects the body by altering the gut microbiota in humans and rodents. Although evidence links gut microbiota and sleep to equine health, important gaps remain regarding how sleep deprivation affects microbial balance, inflammation, metabolism, and disease risk.
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