‘MTSU On the Record’ probes connection between sleep, digestive health

Research into the relationship between good sleep and good digestion was the topic of a recent “MTSU On the Record” radio program.

Host Gina Logue’s interview with Dr. Cole Easson, a lecturer in the Department of Biology, first aired March 31 on WMOT-FM Roots Radio 89.5 and on www.wmot.org. You can listen to their conversation above.

Dr. Cole Easson

Easson and academic colleagues from Nova Southeastern University in Broward County, Florida, conducted a study that found that the diversity of microbes in the intestines is adversely affected by the lack of REM, or rapid eye movement, sleep.

A lack of REM sleep also has been linked with reduced coping skills, migraine headaches and excess weight.

Subjects wore devices that monitored their vital signs and amount of REM sleep. Researchers also analyzed the contents of anal swabs self-administered by the subjects to determine the bacteria, viruses, protozoa and fungi living in their intestines.

“Generally speaking, a more diverse microbiome is considered to be a healthier microbiome,” Easson said. “Our participants who got more sleep, and higher quality sleep, had a more diverse microbiome.”