Bifizen, a multi-strain probiotic ingredient created by Probitical, imrpoved self-reported and FitBit-tracked measures of sleep, suggesting that changes to the gut microbiome can have beneficial effects on sleep quality, a new study published in Beneficial Microbes found. The study was led by Chad Kerksick, PhD, of Lindenwood University in St. Charles.
 
The study authors noted that the gastrointestinal tract has ten times more microorganisms than there are cells in the human body. “Consequently, disruptions within the GIT [gastrointestinal tract] can easily occur, inhibiting the gut-brain axis […] probiotics have been investigated as a significant focal point for GIT microbiota interventions,” they wrote.
 
In previous published research with the same cohort, Bifizen significantly improved measures of minor depression,  anxiety, and mood. For this study, researchers investigated its ability to improve sleep quality and quantity. The study began in 2020, just before the global outbreak of COVID-19, and then restarted in September 2020. The influence of this background phenomenon on the anxiety and sleep physiology of the subjects is unknown, yet likely not inconsequential, according to the authors.
 
Bifizen contains four probiotic strains: Limosilactobacillus fermentum LF16 (DSM 26956); Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LR06 (DSM 21981); Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP01 (LMG P-21021); and Bifidobacterium longum 04 (DSM 23233).
 
Study Details
 
The latest findings were from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in which 70 healthy men and women supplemented with Bifizen or a matching placebo for six weeks followed by a three-week washout period.
 
Over these nine weeks, they were evaluated with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PQSI), while also being tracked by Fitbit which measured total hours of sleep per day. The Bifizen group reported significant reductions in time to fall asleep after weeks six and nine compared to baseline. At nine weeks, Bifizen subjects displayed a greater improvement in PQSI global score than placebo. Data from the Fitbit wearables trended (P=0.086) toward increased sleep duration and total time in bed, though the changes weren’t’ clinically significant.
“Lack of quality sleep affects health, mood, and overall well-being,” said Vera Mogna, CEO of Probiotical SpA. “These results represent an encouraging solution and represent an exciting direction for the probiotics industry. Probiotical remains committed to studying the gut-brain axis and investigating the positive impact of beneficial probiotics on quality of life.”