How sleep affects your microbiome

The Effects of Sleep on Human Microbiota: Implications for Health and Disease

Not applicable Interventional Mayo Clinic · NCT02573753

This study will test whether short-term sleep loss changes the body's microbiome in adults, especially in people with abnormal sleep patterns.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment5000 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMayo Clinic Academic / other
Locations1 site (Rochester, Minnesota)
Trial IDNCT02573753 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a pilot interventional study examining how changes in sleep affect human microbial communities. Participants undergo controlled sleep restriction (and related weight change protocols) with microbial samples collected before and after the intervention to compare community composition. The study enrolls adults who are eligible for concurrent IRB-approved protocols and excludes pregnant or breastfeeding participants. Findings will be used to explore links between sleep, microbiota shifts, and potential disease risk.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults enrolled in qualifying IRB-approved studies at Mayo Clinic who are not pregnant or breastfeeding and can complete short-term sleep and weight-related protocols are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People who are pregnant or breastfeeding, who cannot alter their sleep or weight as required, or who are not enrolled in a qualifying IRB-approved protocol are unlikely to benefit from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could help doctors use microbiome changes to spot health risks linked to poor sleep earlier.

How similar studies have performed: Early research suggests sleep can influence the microbiome but intervention data are limited, so this pilot explores a relatively novel application.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Only subjects who are eligible for ongoing IRB-approved studies will be deemed eligible for this protocol.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant or breast-feeding women
* Subjects who are ineligible for ongoing IRB-approved studies will not be included in this protocol

Where this trial is running

Rochester, Minnesota

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Sleep
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.