New Research Finds Connection Between Oral Microbiome Diversity and Longer Sleep in Teens and Young Adults

A recent study, to be showcased at the SLEEP 2025 annual conference, reveals a positive association between the diversity of the oral microbiome and extended sleep duration among adolescents and young adults. The research indicates that individuals with longer sleep patterns, particularly the 3% of participants who reported sleeping beyond the recommended hours, had significantly higher oral microbiome diversity compared to those with typical sleep durations.

This pioneering study is among the first to examine the link between sleep habits and the oral microbiome in youth, suggesting that sleep health might influence oral microbial composition. Lead author Marie-Rachelle Narcisse, an assistant professor at Brown University, emphasized the importance of this connection, underscoring that disturbances in sleep can impact the microbiome, which in turn could affect overall health.

The study analyzed data from 1,332 U.S. adolescents and young adults aged 16-26 using cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The average age was approximately 21, with a roughly even split between male and female participants. Sleep duration was self-reported, categorized based on American Academy of Sleep Medicine guidelines: very short, short, healthy, and long sleep.

Results showed that about half of the teenagers and a little over 60% of young adults met the recommended sleep hours—8-10 hours for teens and 7-9 hours for young adults. Adequate sleep is essential for various health outcomes, including improved cognition, emotional regulation, immune function, and reduced inflammation. Notably, poor sleep can also negatively impact oral health, increasing susceptibility to gum disease and dental problems.

The researchers highlight that the oral cavity, home to one of the body's most densely populated microbial habitats, serves as a entry point for pathogens that can cause chronic conditions like gingivitis and cavities. Understanding how sleep influences the oral microbiome could unlock new, accessible strategies to promote better oral and general health in youth.

Adolescence involves significant changes in biological rhythms, yet studies exploring the relationship between sleep and the oral microbiome during this phase are limited. The findings suggest that interventions targeting the oral microbiome could potentially enhance sleep health, or improving sleep could positively impact oral microbial balance. These insights open avenues for more cost-effective and non-invasive health strategies.

The full research abstract has been published online in the journal "SLEEP" and the study will be presented during the upcoming conference in Seattle. For further details, see the source at https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-links-oral-microbiome-diversity-duration.html.