Individuals with sleep disorders and altered circadian rhythms have been found to have higher levels of β-amyloid (the main component of plaques found in Alzheimer’s Disease) in their brain tissue.

A review of animal and clinical studies published this year in Gut Microbes demonstrates an association between altered sleep patterns and Alzheimer’s Disease with gut microbiome imbalances. The authors suggest that chronic alterations in sleep patterns and circadian rhythm may lead to imbalances in the gut microbiome. And that sleep disturbances paired with altered gut microbiome may contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

Reference:

Yi Li, Lingzhan Shao, Yang Mou, Yan Zhang & Yong Ping (2021) Sleep, circadian rhythm, and gut microbiota: alterations in Alzheimer’s disease and their potential links in the pathogenesis, Gut Microbes, 13:1, DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2021.1957407