MATA, Eduarda Alves Gomes da; SANTOS, Marcela Borges Oliveira; MOTA, Maria Carliana
Abstract:
Objective: Sleep deprivation has been associated with, and more recently implicated
in changes in the gut microbiota. These aspects are important risk factors for the
development of obesity. In this context, this study aimed to analyze how reduced sleep
duration can alter the composition of the gut microbiota, appetite regulation, and eating
behavior. The issue investigated is based on evidence that poor sleep patterns induceMethodology and Results: A literature review was conducted through a structured
search in Google Scholar, PubMed, and SciELO, selecting articles published between
2015 and 2025 that addressed sleep deprivation, gut microbiota, and obesity. Overall,
the findings indicate that insufficient sleep reduces microbial diversity, alters the
proportion of genera such as Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, and increases intestinal
permeability. Additionally, sleep deprivation leads to elevated ghrelin levels, reduced
leptin levels, and greater consumption of hypercaloric foods, contributing to increased
adiposity. Conclusion: It is concluded that an impaired sleep pattern (in quantity and
quality) directly influences hormonal mechanisms and the microbiota profile related to
energy metabolism, reinforcing the importance of strategies that promote adequate
sleep in the prevention of obesity.