Sleep fragmentation increases blood pressure and is associated with alterations in the gut microbiome and fecal metabolome in rats.

ABSTRACT: The gut microbiota, via the production of metabolites entering the circulation, plays a role in blood pressure regulation. Blood pressure is also affected by the characteristics of sleep. To date, no studies have examined relationships among the gut microbiota/metabolites, blood pressure, and sleep. We hypothesized that fragmented sleep is associated with elevated mean arterial pressure, an altered and dysbiotic gut microbial community, and changes in fecal metabolites. In our model system, rats were randomized to 8 h of sleep fragmentation during the rest phase (light phase) or were undisturbed (controls) for 28 consecutive days. Rats underwent sleep and blood pressure recordings, and fecal samples were analyzed during: baseline (days -4 to -1), early sleep fragmentation (

SUBMITTER: Maki KA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7468692 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature