Surprisingly Common Treatments And Activities That Damage Digestive Health

Insufficient Sleep

Researchers are currently exploring the relationship between insufficient sleep and changes in gut bacteria. In a 2016 study, nine male patients were allowed to sleep 8.5 hours each night for two consecutive nights, and this was followed by sleeping only four hours per night for two consecutive nights. After just two nights of sleep deprivation, the participants showed increases in the types of gut bacteria associated with obesity, weight gain, and the development of type 2 diabetes.

Most healthy adults need eight hours of sleep per night, and some may need up to nine hours. Patients are advised to keep their bedroom cool and dark, and it can help to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day. Daytime naps should be limited to no more than thirty minutes, and patients should not nap late in the afternoon.