Effect of biotic supplementation on infant sleep and settling behaviours: A systematic review and meta-analysis

What is it about?

Gut microbiota, which changes significantly during infancy, can be influenced by biotic supplementation like probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics, which can modify sleep behaviors. Given the potential influence of the microbiome on infant sleep, this study aimed to determine the effect of biotic supplementation on sleep behaviours in healthy, full-term infants aged 0-12 months. We searched different databases and independently screened the articles. Data on infant sleep and settling behaviour outcomes, reported adverse effects, and co-morbid conditions were extracted for analysis. Meta-analyses were conducted using RevMan5. Our search yielded 453 studies and 23 randomized control trials included in this review. Probiotic supplementation was provided in 53% of studies, while 28% and 19% offered prebiotic and synbiotic supplementation, respectively. Sleep duration was the most common (95%) reported outcome for probiotics. No significant difference was reported in sleep duration during the 1st-4th week of probiotic supplementation. However, in the 5th week of probiotic supplementation, infants who received placebo slept significantly longer. The study suggests probiotic supplementation does not increase infant sleep duration but may contribute to longer sleep durations over the first 12 months of life. Future research should assess the full range of sleep behaviors, infant feeding type, microbiome analysis, adverse events, longer-term follow-up, and associated immune markers.

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Photo by Matthew Osborn on Unsplash

Photo by Matthew Osborn on Unsplash